The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced a major partnership with BMO Financial Group ahead of the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. As part of the deal, LAFC’s home venue, Banc of California Stadium, will be renamed BMO Stadium. The stadium, which has a seating capacity of 22,000, is also home to the Los Angeles-based National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, Angel City FC.
Since its opening in April 2018, Banc of California Stadium has served as a major sports and entertainment destination in Los Angeles, hosting numerous soccer games, concerts, and other events. The partnership with BMO represents a significant step forward for both LAFC and BMO, as it aligns with their shared goals of being leaders in their respective industries and making a positive impact in the community.
In a statement, LAFC co-president & chief business officer Larry Freedman said, “Our alliance with BMO brings together two entities with a common goal and dedication to being exemplary leaders and positive influences in our local area. We look forward to collaborating and creating an exceptional soccer experience for our supporters while also making a significant impact on the community in Los Angeles.”
With this partnership, BMO will be the official bank of LAFC and the stadium, and will provide financial services and exclusive offers to fans and customers. This partnership is set to bring new opportunities and experiences for fans, while also further solidifying BMO’s commitment to sports sponsorship and community engagement.
BMO Stadium, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is a state-of-the-art outdoor arena that has established itself as a premier destination for sports and entertainment. With a reputation for hosting some of the most iconic concerts, events, and top-level soccer matches, the stadium has become a destination for sports fans and entertainment seekers alike. This partnership with the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) marks a new chapter for the stadium, and the team is excited to begin this collaboration with BMO Financial Group. The partnership also marks a renewed commitment to welcoming fans, supporters and the community to BMO Stadium for a world-class experience.
This partnership with LAFC not only solidifies BMO’s commitment to promoting soccer across North America, but it also aligns with BMO’s North American growth strategy, which focuses on expanding their reach and services in the US. BMO currently serves clients through over 500 branches, access to 42,000 ATMs, more than 5,000 employees, and digital banking services in all 50 US states, making it one of the most accessible financial institutions in the country. This partnership will allow BMO to further expand its reach and offer exclusive benefits to fans, customers and the community.
BMO Financial Group has a long-standing partnership with several Major League Soccer (MLS) teams such as Toronto FC, CF Montréal, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Over the years, the bank has been dedicated to investing in and promoting the sport of soccer across North America, with a focus on supporting and developing young athletes. In Canada alone, BMO has invested over $25 million since 2005 in youth soccer programs, supporting over 150,000 young athletes in the sport.
The partnership between BMO Financial Group and the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is a continuation of BMO’s dedication to promoting soccer throughout North America. This collaboration offers BMO the chance to showcase its enthusiasm for soccer and commitment to the Los Angeles community through BMO Stadium while also supporting LAFC and its fans during the season and beyond.
Cameron Fowler, BMO’s chief strategy and operations officer, said in a statement, “We are excited to enter into this partnership with LAFC, which further reinforces our bank’s commitment to growing the game of soccer across North America. Through BMO Stadium, we hope to share our passion for soccer and commitment to the Los Angeles community while also living out our purpose of boldly growing the good in business and life.
Since its inception, LAFC has had a successful run in the MLS, winning the MLS Cup, two Supporter’s Shields, and recording the most wins, points, and goals scored in the league. LAFC has also sold out every regular season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs match, making it one of the most popular and successful teams in the league.