United Airlines to Become Part of Capital One Arena Updates in Downtown D.C.

United Airlines will be the official global airline partner for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which will allow for branding and integration with the NBA’s Washington Wizards, NHL’s Washington Capitals, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, Capital One Arena and Monumental Sports Network.

As part of the deal, MSE also named United as the first Founding Partner in the transformation of Capital One Arena. In March, MSE announced an agreement with the District of Columbia to modernize Capital One Arena and create a revitalized entertainment destination in D.C. The multiyear, exclusive relationship will bring enhanced fan experiences including VIP experiences through United’s MileagePlus Exclusives. Through the agreement, United can leverage media through MSE’s teams in the NBA, NHL, and WNBA including NBA International Team Marketing sponsorship rights for the Wizards. United will be prominently featured in both the current building and the updated arena.

“Whether in the skies or on the ground, United’s commitment across the D.C. region runs deep and we’re thrilled to be the Founding Partner of this exciting transformation to further the District as a world-class sports and entertainment destination for Washingtonians and visitors alike,” said United Airlines President Brett Hart. “Partnering with Monumental Sports & Entertainment also unites us in our shared values of deepening community giving, outreach and investment across the greater Washington region.”

United is the largest carrier in the D.C. metropolitan area with flights from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as well as Washington Dulles International Airport, one of its seven domestic hubs.  The airline employs nearly 8,000 employees in the D.C. area and is set to open a new 400,000-square-foot concourse at Dulles in 2026.

“As we begin to introduce the marquee brands who will join us in shaping the transformation of Capital One Arena into a state-of-the-art entertainment destination, we warmly welcome United Airlines as a founding partner,” said Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman, managing partner and chief executive officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “This new collaboration not only links two iconic brands but underscores our shared commitment to connecting people all over the world and enhancing the customer experience – whether in the air, in the arena, or anywhere in between.”