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The basics:

• Gotham FC names Bank of America official retail bank
• Partnership centers on Elevate Play youth soccer initiative
• Plans include school trainings, match access for 10K youth and families
• Bank of America will also support matchday activations at Sports Illustrated Stadium

Gotham FC announced a new strategic partnership with Bank of America April 6. The financial institution will serve as the club’s Official Retail Bank, positioning the company as a key partner in both business growth and community impact.

At the center of the deal is Elevate Play. Bank of America now presents the Gotham FC community access initiative through its “Soccer With Us” platform. The program aims to address the regional “play deficit” by expanding access to sports for youth across New York and New Jersey, particularly in underserved communities.

Through the partnership, the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, Playworks NY/NJ, Gotham FC and Bank of America will collectively scale the initiative’s reach. Plans include 20 school-based trainings using Playworks’ curriculum. The collaboration will also provide 10,000 youth, educators and caregivers with complimentary access to 2026 matches — reducing barriers to both play as well as live sports experiences.

Out of play

The relationship also extends beyond the field, with Bank of America supporting a range of community and development-focused programming.

Beyond free “Soccer With Us” clinics in underserved areas, BofA will provide financial literacy education, goal-setting workshops and confidence-building sessions. The offerings aim to prepare young people for success both on and off the pitch.

On the business side, Bank of America will integrate into Gotham FC’s matchday and fan experience at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison. The collaboration will include Fan Fest activations, in-stadium visibility and player engagement. Additionally, it will involved Elevate Play content and client engagement through its rewards program.

Gotham FC leadership emphasized the importance of Bank of America as a mission-aligned partner, supporting both growth and impact, as the club builds on the momentum of its 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship season.

“Bank of America is a powerful partner in Gotham’s mission to expand access to the game and deepen our impact across New York and New Jersey,” said Gotham FC Chief Revenue Officer Alex Chang. “With their support of Elevate Play, we will continue reaching more young people and families with meaningful opportunities to engage in sport while growing on and off the pitch. We are incredibly appreciative of their commitment to this work and in helping us build stronger, more connected communities through soccer.”

“The great state of New Jersey has always been a soccer powerhouse, from hosting the first international soccer match ever played in the United States, through the present day,” said Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey. “We’re teaming up with Gotham FC and their Elevate Play initiative to help create more opportunities through sports throughout the region.”