Major League Soccer side New York City FC (NYCFC) have struck a significant commercial deal with the consortium of banks known as Early Warning Services.
Through a tie-up unveiled earlier this week, and coming into effect in 2026, the Paze online payment system created by that consortium becomes the first founding partner of the under-construction Etihad Park stadium where NYCFC will play their home games from 2027 onwards.
In addition, Paze becomes the MLS side's official online checkout and digital wallet.
The overall agreement has been brokered by the global partnerships division of the Klutch Sports Group, led by Andrew Feinberg.
Through the deal, Paze's branding will be showcased throughout the stadium (which will have a capacity of 25,000) and on official club channels.
The platform will also put its name to the PazeSM City Square, which on matchdays will host a food hall and on non-matchdays will be open to the local community.
Brad Sims, chief executive at NYCFC, has said: "Etihad Park is going to be a game changer for soccer in New York City and the United States. It will be a future-forward venue focused on providing an unparalleled matchday experience before you even enter our doors, and Paze is going to play a vital role in helping us realize this goal."
Etihad Park will, the club have said, be the first fully-electric outdoor sports stadium in the country when completed.
The venue, adjacent to the New York Mets baseball franchise’s Citi Field ballpark, is set to open in 2027 as part of a wider mixed-use redevelopment project for the area that will include housing, retail locations, and a new public school. Set to seat 25,000 people, the $780 million project is being privately funded and was given New York City Council approval last year.
Last week, NYCFC deepened their involvement with global premium experiences brand Legends by handing out a contract for that firm to lead the food and drink operations at Etihad Park.
The new agreement will see Legends manage concessions, premium suites, and clubs, and catering at Etihad Park, as well as showcasing local restaurants and celebrity chefs across all offerings throughout the stadium.
Serge Elkiner, Paze general manager, added: "Our role is to simplify checkout - making it fast, frictionless, and with added security - so fans can focus on what matters most: the match and the moments around it.”
NYCFC made it all the way to the Eastern Conference final of this year's MLS postseason, before losing to Inter Miami (who went on to win the overall MLS Cup).
