Etihad Airways has secured a 20-year deal to be the naming-rights partner for New York City’s first-ever soccer stadium, ‘Etihad Park’.
Plans for the future home of the New York City Football Club are now well underway with the ambitious development of Etihad Park getting ready to change the skyline of the borough of Queens.
Located in Willets Point, the soccer stadium is just one part of a vast project that will usher in the urban regeneration of the area bringing in affordable housing an elementary school, shops, eateries, and a hotel. The jewel in the crown however, is the $780 million stadium, scheduled to open in 2027.
Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has been a long-time ally of the MLS franchise, New York City FC. The recent sealed a 20-year deal for the naming rights of the stadium, making Etihad Park the first completely electric sports venue in New York City and Major League Soccer. This naming rights deal marks a significant milestone in the partnership, emphasizing a mutual dedication to community and sustainability.
Since joining forces with NYCFC back in 2014, Etihad has been a visible presence, from being the team’s main jersey sponsor to supporting the youth academy that trains at the Etihad City Football Academy. This partnership extends beyond the pitch, to community-driven programs under the City In The Community foundation. The foundation actively works in all five NYC boroughs, demonstrating a commitment to uplifting local neighbourhoods.
An example of this community engagement is the New York City Soccer Initiative, another collaborative effort with Etihad’s backing. Launched in 2016, it has built 50 mini-soccer fields around the city, offering spaces for free youth programs that aim to foster a love for the sport. There are plans to add 26 more of these pitches by the time the 2026 FIFA World Cup rolls around, hosted in part by the U.S.
From Etihad’s perspective, these initiatives tie into their broader mission of inspiring ambition and promoting global inclusivity. They see their alignment with NYCFC’s community-oriented projects as a testament to their own values. “For us, this goes beyond business; it’s about creating opportunities and connectivity,” says Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves.
Jennifer O’Sullivan, NYCFC’s COO, added that the naming of the new stadium wasn’t just about branding but creating a community landmark. With a nod to New York City’s abundance of parks and green spaces, she envisions Etihad Park as a central hub for community interaction and cultural exchange, in the spirit of New York’s iconic gathering spots. The stadium won’t just host soccer; it is also tipped to be a venue for concerts, festivals, and other community events.