Etihad Airways has been confirmed as the principal partner of New York City FC, the new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise set to debut next year, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/. The Abu Dhabi-based airline becomes one of the club's founding partners, with its logo set to feature on the front of City's new Adidas-made shirts.
Etihad has signed a five-year deal and will have extensive marketing rights spanning all of City's assets, including access to players, branding on digital platforms and LED boards at their first home, Yankee Stadium.
Tim Pernetti, City's chief business officer, described the deal and the unveiling of the club's first-ever kit on Thursday as "a milestone day for New York City Football Club", adding: "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.
"Today will be remembered as one of our most significant landmark moments as we build towards our historic inaugural season, due to kick off this coming March."
