Simpson Thacher Advises Gotham FC on Agreement to Play at Etihad Park Beginning in 2028

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advised NJ/NY Gotham FC in an agreement with New York City FCunder which Gotham FC will play its home matches at Etihad Park beginning in 2028.

The agreement, announced this week by the clubs, will make Gotham FC a primary tenant at the new soccer-specific stadium in Queens. The move gives the reigning National Women’s Soccer League champion a permanent home designed to provide an enhanced matchday experience for fans while supporting the club’s continued growth.

According to the clubs, the transition to Etihad Park represents a significant milestone in Gotham FC’s development as one of the league’s premier franchises and reflects its long-term ambitions on and off the field.

The Simpson Thacher deal team was led by partners Eric Geffner, Matthew Carpenter-Dennis and Michael Kuh, counsel Steve Palyca, and associates Logan Duffy and Isabella Robakowski on sports matters. The transaction also included partner Chelsea Pullen on real estate matters and partner Alec Jarvis on tax matters. Geffner, Duffy and Robakowski are based in Los Angeles, while Pullen is based in Washington, D.C. The remaining attorneys are based in New York.