Etihad Airways has announced a five year sponsorship deal with New York City FC (NYCFC), the new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in the USA.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline was unveiled as the new football team’s principal partner at a ceremony in Manhattan, attended by NYCFC’s chief business officer Tim Pernetti, Etihad’s chief executive James Hogan, and the club’s marquee player, Spain’s David Villa.
The five-year deal will see a substantial presence for Etihad Airways’ brand across the team’s playing kits, on game days at NYCFC’s first home, Yankee Stadium, and across its digital platforms.
“This is a milestone day. Our first home jersey is a huge part of our identity and we are proud that our kit and our team will be so strongly associated with a partner of the calibre of Etihad Airways,” said Mr Pernetti.
NYCFC is majority owned by City Football Group, the owners of Manchester City Football Club, with the New York Yankees holding a minority stake.
jeverington@thenational.ae
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