Canadian investment bank and financial services company BMO has agreed a 10-year extension to its stadium naming rights deal with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Toronto FC.
Under the deal, which also includes shirt sponsorship, Toronto FC’s home stadium will continue to be known as BMO Field, its moniker since the facility opened in April 2007.
As both organisations look ahead to the next decade, a key priority of Toronto FC and BMO at the grassroots and professional levels of soccer will be promoting equity in the sport and developing more avenues for women and girls to learn, play and coach.
“BMO has been a foundational partner of Toronto FC’s since day one of the franchise’s history and have played a pivotal role in the growth of the club, and its many successes, in those 15 years,” said Toronto FC president, Bill Manning.
“It is fitting that we announce a long-term renewal with BMO as we not only set our sights on delivering another championship for the city and our fans, but also a long-term ambition to grow the game and create opportunities for women and girls in soccer across the country.”
.@BMOField is home. Home is here to stay.
Here’s to the next decade of memories by the lakeshore
@BMO | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/iB5tRQbUST
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) June 22, 2022
Today’s (Wednesday’s) announcement comes just days after BMO Field was confirmed as one of two Canadian venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Last week’s announcement granted hosting status to 16 cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with Toronto being joined by Vancouver as Edmonton missed out.
Cameron Fowler, chief strategy and operations officer for BMO Financial Group, said: “BMO is proud to share more than 15 years of history with MLSE. This renewed partnership with Toronto FC demonstrates the strength of our commitment to the franchise and to increasing gender equity in soccer and beyond.
“Our purpose is to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life and our commitment to an inclusive society drives us to partner with leading organizations like MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment) to create and expand programs that tackle barriers to inclusion.”
Image: Abazz/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
