The city’s public defender, Jumaane Williams, is pushing to change the name of the New York Mets’ home stadium, Citi Field, over concerns about climate change.
The parent company of Citi BankCitigroup is more than halfway through a 20-year naming rights deal with the Mets, but Williams believes the company has a troubled relationship with the fossil fuel industry.
«The Ombudsman and fans will bring up the bank’s role in financing polluters and profiting from climate chaos,» Williams’ office said in a statement.
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Citi Field during a wild card series game between the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets on October 7, 2022 in New York. (Photos by Rob Tringali/MLB via Getty Images)
Williams held a news conference earlier this week to press Mets owner Steve Cohen about the issues.
«New Yorkers know I’m bleeding blue and orange: The Mets represent an incredible spirit, history and institution and are of tremendous value to New Yorkers,» Williams said. «However, Citibank’s practices do not represent the values of the Mets or our city, and we must make better demands. If Citi refuses to end its toxic relationship with the fossil fuel industry, the Mets should end to its association with Citi».
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According to Bloomberg, Citi has provided approximately $31 billion in combined lending and underwriting to oil, gas and coal companies since 2021.
Lucas Sanchez, co-executive director of New York Communities for Change, said he’s been a «die-hard Mets fan» his entire life, but he’s not a fan of Citi owning the naming rights.
“I can’t teach my kids to love the Mets if I also teach them about climate change,” said Sanchez, whose children are ages 7, 9 and 13. “The Mets are doing their part to pollute the planet by partnering with Citi. «
Citi Field during a game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets on July 26, 2022 in New York City. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
The push for the name change comes on the heels of nationwide protests outside major banks in which demonstrators demand that financial institutions divest themselves of fossil fuel companies.
Mets representatives did not respond to requests from Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
The statue of Tom Seaver outside of Citi Field before a game between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets on April 19, 2022, in New York, NY (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Katie Doshi, a Citi spokeswoman, said the bank «recognizes the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy,» citing its commitment to invest $1 trillion in green energy and other climate solutions by 2030.
«Our approach reflects the need to transition while continuing to meet global energy needs,» he added. «We look forward to continuing the strong relationship we have with the Mets and Citi Field.»
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Citigroup’s deal with the Mets is worth an estimated $400 million, or $20 million annually.
Williams did not provide an alternate name for the stadium.