LAFC and BMO announced a naming rights deal today. The LAFC stadium will be renamed BMO Stadium on January 19, 2023. BMO Stadium, located in the center of Los Angeles, will remain the home of the 2022 MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield Champions LAFC, the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Angel City Football Club (ACFC), and several high-profile concerts and events.
BMO has almost a decade of experience collaborating with other MLS teams, including Toronto FC, CF Montréal, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, as The Bank of Soccer. Since 2005, BMO has contributed over C$25 million to engage, develop, and grow youth soccer at all levels of competition throughout Canada, supporting 150,000 junior athletes. BMO has been growing the game across North America via partnerships like these, acting as a driving force to make the game both equal and accessible, and developing the next generation of players, leaders, and coaches.
“BMO is thrilled to forge this partnership with LAFC, which reinforces our bank’s commitment to growing the game of soccer across North America,” said Cameron Fowler, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer, BMO. “Through BMO Stadium, we will share our passion for soccer and commitment to the Los Angeles community while bringing to life our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. We look forward to supporting LAFC and its fans this season and beyond.”
“Our partnership with BMO unites two organizations that share a vision and commitment to be leaders and forces for good in our community,” LAFC Co-President & CBO Larry Freedman said. “BMO Stadium is the premier outdoor arena in the Heart of Los Angeles, having established itself as a world class sports and entertainment venue that hosts iconic concerts, events and top-level soccer. We are excited to begin our partnership with BMO, and to welcome our fans, supporters and the people of the city of Los Angeles to BMO Stadium.”
ACFC, which made its NWSL debut last season, also plays at BMO Stadium. ACFC lead the NWSL in attendance in 2022, with over 19,000 supporters per game in its maiden season. ACFC is led by the most powerful female ownership group in professional sports.
BMO Stadium has 22,000 soccer fans and was the first open-air stadium built in Los Angeles since 1962. It has hosted important events such as the MLS All-Star Game in 2021, the MLS Cup in 2022, and other high-profile sold-out concerts and festivals starring The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Black Pink, Twice, Santana, Guns N’ Roses, Armin Van Buren, Rufus Du Sol, Kygo, Maroon 5, and many others.
