Saturday, May 9, 2026

LAFC Secures Record $100M Naming Rights Deal

  • Banc of California was the previous naming rights holder to the team’s home stadium.
  • The facility will be renamed BMO Stadium.
LAFC

An MLS expansion team has secured the largest naming rights deal ever for a soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. 

Los Angeles Football Club has agreed to a 10-year, $100 million naming rights deal with Bank of Montreal for the team’s home field in Exposition Park. The 22,000-seat facility — which opened in 2018 at a price tag of $350 million — is also home to the NWSL’s Angel City FC

  • Banc of California was the previous naming rights holder to the stadium. 
  • The facility will be renamed BMO Stadium
  • BMO is also the naming rightsholder to Toronto FC’s home stadium, BMO Field

In addition to securing naming rights, BMO has become a founding partner in Angel City.

The expansion club’s founding owners include actress Natalie Portman, a group of former USWNT stars, and lead investor Alexis Ohanian.

Angel City will continue to bring soccer fans to BMO Stadium. 

In September 2022, the club faced the San Diego Wave and set the attendance record for an NWSL game with a sellout crowd of 32,000 at Snapdragon Stadium, which opened last year.

The Biggest NWSL Match Ever

The game between San Diego Wave and Angel City is sold out.
September 6, 2022

Let’s Make Another Deal

Earlier this week, the Houston Dynamo and the Houston Dash secured a new stadium naming rights deal with Shell Energy for an undisclosed amount. 

Shell Energy Stadium opened in 2012 with costs that reached $95 million.

As part of the pact, the Dynamo and Shell will integrate renewable energy sources at the 22,000-seat facility, including rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
In this photo illustration, a mobile device displays the Kalshi logo while a laptop displays the webpage of the prediction market platform in Copenhagen, Denmark, on February 10, 2026. (Photo by Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/NurPhoto)

Leagues Weigh In on Future Prediction Market Regulation

Safeguarding integrity and protecting consumers were common themes.
Sep 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots the ball against Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center.

Ariel Investments Sees a $1B Women’s Sports Team in the Next 5 Years

Like small-cap stocks, women’s sports teams have room to run.

Featured Today

Matt Palumb

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
Casey Wasserman, Chairperson and President of LA28, during the media conference celebrating the 1000-day countdown to LA28 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.

Wasserman Buyers Narrow as PE Conflicts Sideline Major Firms

Private-equity firm TA Associates has removed itself from the running.
April 16, 2026

How Taylor Swift’s Catalog Led Her Former Label Boss Into Sports

Scott Borchetta profited greatly from the sale of Swift’s masters.
April 23, 2026

Want to Own a 100-Year-Old Austrian Soccer Team for $500?

Vestible’s first team is Kapfenberger SV 1919.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
John and Louis Antonelli
exclusive
April 13, 2026

Chernin Group Leads Funding Round in Social Box Score App ‘Real’

The app combines live stats and play-by-play with a social media experience.
Jack Nicklaus speaks to media prior to the start of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on May 27, 2025.
March 27, 2026

Jack Nicklaus Re-Acquires Nicklaus Companies After Lawsuit

Nicklaus takes back ownership of marks like the iconic Golden Bear.
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark dribbles up the court against Team USA during the WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.
February 3, 2026

Fund Backing Women’s Sports Raises $250M and Counting

Jason Wright oversees a fund that has secured $250 million.
January 28, 2026

CVC’s New Sports Business Buys Into $300M Equestrian Company

Global Sport Group bought a controlling stake in Equine Network.