April 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM Eastern
Gotham FC, Bank of America Announce Partnership to Drive Community Impact
Landmark partnership highlights Elevate Play, shared commitment to expanding access to sport
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Gotham FC on Monday announced a new strategic partnership with Bank of America, naming the company as the club’s Official Retail Bank. The partnership brings together two organizations dedicated to strengthening local communities and supporting the continued growth of sports.
At the heart of this partnership is Elevate Play, Gotham FC’s groundbreaking community access initiative, now presented by Bank of America Soccer with Us.
Launched in October 2025, Elevate Play addresses the modern-day “play deficit” – as only one in five children in New York and New Jersey meet daily activity recommendations and youth average more than five hours of screen time – through productive development work in schools that brings positive play to recess and reducing barriers to live events, particularly for children in historically marginalized communities.
“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 Alex Chang, Gotham FC chief revenue officer. “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.”
Elevate Play was originally created in collaboration with founding philanthropic partner, the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, as part of its Play to Thrive initiative, and nonprofit community partner Playworks NY/NJ, which provides low-income schools across the New York and New Jersey year-round, on-site support services to helps kids stay active and build valuable skills through play.
Together, the Illumination Fund, Playworks, Gotham FC and Bank of America as a presenting partner will deliver 20 school-based trainings through Playworks’ proven curriculum, while providing 10,000 youth, educators and caregivers with complimentary access to 2026 matches.
“Addressing the play deficit in our communities requires sustained, collective investment in young people,” said Laurie M. Tisch, president of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. “As the founding philanthropic partner of Elevate Play, we are proud to have helped launch this initiative with Gotham FC, reflecting the club’s deep commitment to social impact. Welcoming Bank of America as presenting sponsor will expand its reach and deepen its impact, giving more children across New York and Northern New Jersey access to the physical, social, and emotional benefits of play.”
“Playworks is delighted and honored to partner with Gotham FC and the Illumination Fund to launch Elevate Play, drawing on more than 30 years of experience, to further expand access to safe, healthy play and inspire children through the excitement of a professional soccer match,” said Robin Grossman, executive director of Playworks NY/NJ, during the program’s October launch. “Play is a fundamental human need. When children play, they build resilience, compassion, and confidence. Through play, they learn to make friends, solve problems, and believe in themselves – even in challenging times.”
Gotham FC will also partner with Bank of America to create the Bank of America Soccer With Us clinics – free, hands-on soccer experiences reaching underserved communities – alongside financial literacy programming, goal-setting workshops and confidence-building sessions designed to equip the next generation for success on and off the pitch.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with the championship-winning Gotham FC – a team that, like Bank of America, embodies excellence, teamwork, and a deep commitment to community,” said José Tavarez, president, Bank of America New York City. “Through this partnership, we’re enthusiastic to expand participation and access to soccer through clinics and educational programming across New York and New Jersey.”
The partnership will come to life through a custom content series highlighting Elevate Play’s impact and a player-led franchise aligned with Bank of America’s “What would you like the power to do?” campaign.
Bank of America will be integrated throughout the Gotham FC matchday and fan experience, with a dynamic presence at Fan Fest, presented by CarMax; in-stadium exposure; player engagement opportunities; and hospitality benefits at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Through the Bank of America Rewards program, Gotham FC will also deliver meaningful, repeatable value to Bank of America clients with best-in-market experiences and offerings beyond the pitch.
Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Representing New Jersey and New York with top global talent, Gotham FC is one of 16 clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League. The club won its first NWSL championship in 2023 and captured the first continental club trophy in North American women’s soccer by winning the inaugural 2024-25 Concacaf W Champions Cup, earning qualification for the first editions of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup. Gotham went on to secure its second NWSL championship in 2025, becoming the lowest seed in league history to win the title.
Rebranded as Gotham FC in 2021, the club plays its home matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J. Originally founded in 2007 as Sky Blue FC, the team won the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer Championship in 2009 and has been a founding member of the NWSL since the league’s launch in 2013.
The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund is dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for all New Yorkers and fostering healthy, vibrant communities. The Illumination Fund supports innovative approaches across a range of issues with a focus on advancing equity and community well-being. In 2018, the Illumination Fund launched its Arts in Health initiative to support organizations using the arts as a tool for healing, connection, and public engagement. Building on this work, in 2025 the Illumination Fund launched Play to Thrive, a multiyear initiative designed to expand access to youth sports and strengthen mental health and wellbeing. The initiative supports organizations that provide safe, inclusive sports programming, with particular focus on girls and underserved communities, and advances evidence-informed coaching and leadership development. For more information visit The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund website.
With more than 30 years of experience, Playworks has helped schools and youth-serving community organizations create the conditions every child needs to thrive. Our mission is to improve children’s health and well-being by increasing opportunities for safe, meaningful play.
A national nonprofit with 15 regional offices, Playworks launched its New York/New Jersey region in 2009. Since then, Playworks NY/NJ has operated within this network and is responsible for sustaining and expanding our local impact.
Playworks helps schools transform recess and play-based learning into powerful drivers of youth development—building executive function, emotional regulation, leadership, and empathy. Across New York and New Jersey, we create joyful, inclusive environments where every child feels seen, capable, and connected. Our programs help students return to class ready to learn, teachers reclaim valuable instructional time, and school communities strengthen the social fabric that makes learning—and flourishing—possible.
Megan Santaniello, Gotham FC
Phone: 1.717.419.7711
msantaniello@gothamfc.com
Juan Soto, Bank of America
Phone: 1.646.855.5252
juan.soto3@bofa.com
April 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM Eastern
Gotham FC, Bank of America Announce Partnership to Drive Community Impact
Landmark partnership highlights Elevate Play, shared commitment to expanding access to sport
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Gotham FC on Monday announced a new strategic partnership with Bank of America, naming the company as the club’s Official Retail Bank. The partnership brings together two organizations dedicated to strengthening local communities and supporting the continued growth of sports.
At the heart of this partnership is Elevate Play, Gotham FC’s groundbreaking community access initiative, now presented by Bank of America Soccer with Us.
Launched in October 2025, Elevate Play addresses the modern-day “play deficit” – as only one in five children in New York and New Jersey meet daily activity recommendations and youth average more than five hours of screen time – through productive development work in schools that brings positive play to recess and reducing barriers to live events, particularly for children in historically marginalized communities.
“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 Alex Chang, Gotham FC chief revenue officer. “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.”
Elevate Play was originally created in collaboration with founding philanthropic partner, the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, as part of its Play to Thrive initiative, and nonprofit community partner Playworks NY/NJ, which provides low-income schools across the New York and New Jersey year-round, on-site support services to helps kids stay active and build valuable skills through play.
Together, the Illumination Fund, Playworks, Gotham FC and Bank of America as a presenting partner will deliver 20 school-based trainings through Playworks’ proven curriculum, while providing 10,000 youth, educators and caregivers with complimentary access to 2026 matches.
“Addressing the play deficit in our communities requires sustained, collective investment in young people,” said Laurie M. Tisch, president of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. “As the founding philanthropic partner of Elevate Play, we are proud to have helped launch this initiative with Gotham FC, reflecting the club’s deep commitment to social impact. Welcoming Bank of America as presenting sponsor will expand its reach and deepen its impact, giving more children across New York and Northern New Jersey access to the physical, social, and emotional benefits of play.”
“Playworks is delighted and honored to partner with Gotham FC and the Illumination Fund to launch Elevate Play, drawing on more than 30 years of experience, to further expand access to safe, healthy play and inspire children through the excitement of a professional soccer match,” said Robin Grossman, executive director of Playworks NY/NJ, during the program’s October launch. “Play is a fundamental human need. When children play, they build resilience, compassion, and confidence. Through play, they learn to make friends, solve problems, and believe in themselves – even in challenging times.”
Gotham FC will also partner with Bank of America to create the Bank of America Soccer With Us clinics – free, hands-on soccer experiences reaching underserved communities – alongside financial literacy programming, goal-setting workshops and confidence-building sessions designed to equip the next generation for success on and off the pitch.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with the championship-winning Gotham FC – a team that, like Bank of America, embodies excellence, teamwork, and a deep commitment to community,” said José Tavarez, president, Bank of America New York City. “Through this partnership, we’re enthusiastic to expand participation and access to soccer through clinics and educational programming across New York and New Jersey.”
The partnership will come to life through a custom content series highlighting Elevate Play’s impact and a player-led franchise aligned with Bank of America’s “What would you like the power to do?” campaign.
Bank of America will be integrated throughout the Gotham FC matchday and fan experience, with a dynamic presence at Fan Fest, presented by CarMax; in-stadium exposure; player engagement opportunities; and hospitality benefits at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Through the Bank of America Rewards program, Gotham FC will also deliver meaningful, repeatable value to Bank of America clients with best-in-market experiences and offerings beyond the pitch.
Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Representing New Jersey and New York with top global talent, Gotham FC is one of 16 clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League. The club won its first NWSL championship in 2023 and captured the first continental club trophy in North American women’s soccer by winning the inaugural 2024-25 Concacaf W Champions Cup, earning qualification for the first editions of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup. Gotham went on to secure its second NWSL championship in 2025, becoming the lowest seed in league history to win the title.
Rebranded as Gotham FC in 2021, the club plays its home matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J. Originally founded in 2007 as Sky Blue FC, the team won the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer Championship in 2009 and has been a founding member of the NWSL since the league’s launch in 2013.
The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund is dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for all New Yorkers and fostering healthy, vibrant communities. The Illumination Fund supports innovative approaches across a range of issues with a focus on advancing equity and community well-being. In 2018, the Illumination Fund launched its Arts in Health initiative to support organizations using the arts as a tool for healing, connection, and public engagement. Building on this work, in 2025 the Illumination Fund launched Play to Thrive, a multiyear initiative designed to expand access to youth sports and strengthen mental health and wellbeing. The initiative supports organizations that provide safe, inclusive sports programming, with particular focus on girls and underserved communities, and advances evidence-informed coaching and leadership development. For more information visit The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund website.
With more than 30 years of experience, Playworks has helped schools and youth-serving community organizations create the conditions every child needs to thrive. Our mission is to improve children’s health and well-being by increasing opportunities for safe, meaningful play.
A national nonprofit with 15 regional offices, Playworks launched its New York/New Jersey region in 2009. Since then, Playworks NY/NJ has operated within this network and is responsible for sustaining and expanding our local impact.
Playworks helps schools transform recess and play-based learning into powerful drivers of youth development—building executive function, emotional regulation, leadership, and empathy. Across New York and New Jersey, we create joyful, inclusive environments where every child feels seen, capable, and connected. Our programs help students return to class ready to learn, teachers reclaim valuable instructional time, and school communities strengthen the social fabric that makes learning—and flourishing—possible.
Megan Santaniello, Gotham FC
Phone: 1.717.419.7711
msantaniello@gothamfc.com
Juan Soto, Bank of America
Phone: 1.646.855.5252
juan.soto3@bofa.com
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