New York City FC (NYCFC), Major League Soccer’s exciting franchise, has announced a significant partnership with Etihad Airways, the globally recognized national airline of the United Arab Emirates. This collaboration marks a major milestone for both organizations, with Etihad Airways becoming the Principal Partner of the Club and securing branding rights on all team jerseys.
This multi-faceted agreement not only positions Etihad Airways prominently on the NYCFC home and away kits but also designates the airline as a Founding Partner of the soccer club. The unveiling of the inaugural home jersey, showcasing the Etihad Airways logo, took place in New York City before enthusiastic fans, signaling the start of a dynamic alliance. The jersey is now available for pre-sale, generating buzz and excitement for the upcoming season.
The announcement event was held at New York’s Terminal 5 and featured key figures including Tim Pernetti, Chief Business Officer of New York City FC, James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, and the Club’s first marquee player, soccer star David Villa. This high-profile launch underscores the importance of the partnership for both NYCFC and Etihad Airways Partners.
This landmark five-year deal represents NYCFC’s most substantial partnership to date. Etihad Airways’ brand will gain extensive visibility across the team’s kits, during game days at Yankee Stadium – the Club’s initial home venue – and throughout NYCFC’s digital ecosystem. Beyond brand exposure, the partnership is structured to provide Etihad Airways with unique engagement opportunities, including player appearances and exclusive access to team training sessions.
Tim Pernetti emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating, “This is a milestone day for New York City Football Club. Our first home jersey is a huge part of our identity, and we are incredibly proud to associate our kit and our team with a partner of the esteemed caliber of Etihad Airways.” He further added, “Today marks a truly significant moment as we build towards our inaugural season in March. We are confident that this is the beginning of a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship between New York City Football Club and Etihad Airways partners, and we are eager to collaborate to deliver exceptional experiences for New Yorkers.”
James Hogan of Etihad Airways highlighted the airline’s deep connection with New York, its first US destination since 2006. “Etihad Airways has a strong affinity with New York, and we are thrilled to deepen our ties with this vibrant city through our partnership with New York City Football Club,” said Hogan. “Etihad Airways has a well-established tradition of engaging in community-focused activities with our sports partners. We are excited to extend this commitment to New York City Football Club and its passionate fanbase, working together to promote the sport and core values such as teamwork, success, and the pursuit of excellence.”
This partnership expands upon the already successful collaborations between Etihad Airways and other clubs within the City Football Group, including renowned teams like Barclays Premier League champions, Manchester City Football Club, and Australia’s Melbourne City Football Club. The Etihad Airways partners network within global football is clearly extensive and impactful.
Furthermore, this agreement builds on Etihad Airways’ existing role as the official airline partner of Major League Soccer, a partnership announced earlier in the year. This existing relationship has already seen the Etihad Airways brand prominently featured on LED pitch-side advertising and across MLS digital platforms throughout the 2014 season.
Etihad Airways currently offers non-stop flights from its Abu Dhabi hub to numerous major US cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York JFK, and Washington, D.C., with upcoming services to San Francisco and Dallas-Fort Worth. This growing US network underscores the strategic importance of the Etihad Airways partners initiative within the North American market.
Etihad Airways’ impressive sponsorship portfolio spans a range of prestigious sporting events and organizations, including Major League Soccer, the Nation’s Triathlon in Washington, D.C., Etihad Stadium in both Melbourne and Manchester (home to Melbourne City FC and Manchester City FC respectively), the GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship, and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The partnership with NYCFC further solidifies Etihad Airways partners as a major player in global sports sponsorships, demonstrating their commitment to connecting with audiences worldwide through shared passions.
