In a major step forward for sports and digital innovation, Manchester City have officially unveiled OKX, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency platforms, as their new Official Training Kit Partner. This strategic expansion of their existing relationship marks a significant milestone in the club’s journey to merge elite football performance with cutting-edge technology and fan engagement.
The partnership will see the OKX logo prominently featured across the training kits worn by both the men’s and women’s first teams. The men’s squad debuted the new training wear during their first pre-season session, while the women’s team will don the kits when they return to training next month. This announcement builds on the foundation laid in March, when OKX was named Manchester City’s Official Cryptocurrency Exchange Partner.
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Shared Values: Innovation, Education, and Excellence
At the heart of this collaboration lies a powerful alignment of values — innovation, discipline, and long-term growth. Both Manchester City and OKX believe that true success is built through consistent effort, continuous learning, and preparation.
Haider Rafique, Global Chief Marketing Officer at OKX, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the partnership:
“The real grit and perseverance is built on the training ground. This is the way we want to nurture new users on our platform. Being Man City’s Official Training Kit Partner helps us extend that mindset from the pitch to our trading app community.”
He added that OKX encourages users to approach cryptocurrency trading with the same dedication and strategy as professional athletes. To support this, OKX offers a demo trading feature — a risk-free environment where users can practice before entering live markets. Just as players train rigorously before match day, aspiring traders can refine their skills using simulated conditions.
This philosophy reflects a broader mission: promoting responsible participation in the crypto space. With rising public interest in digital assets, OKX aims to provide accessible education and tools that empower users to make informed decisions.
Elevating Fan Engagement Through Art and Technology
To celebrate the launch of the training kit partnership, OKX has commissioned acclaimed street artist Akse P19, in collaboration with Global Street Art Agency, to create a series of murals honoring four Manchester City stars: Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, João Cancelo, and John Stones.
These vibrant artworks will appear across four key locations in Manchester, transforming public spaces into interactive fan zones. Each mural will include a QR code that fans can scan for a chance to win exclusive rewards — including a coveted season ticket in the OKX Hospitality Box.
This initiative blends physical art with digital interactivity, creating a seamless bridge between real-world fandom and web3 experiences. It exemplifies how modern sponsorships go beyond branding to deliver immersive, value-driven engagements.
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Global Trophy Tour: Bringing Glory Closer to Fans
As part of its expanded role, OKX will serve as the presenting partner of Manchester City’s first global Trophy Tour since 2019 — following the club’s fourth Premier League title win in five years. The tour will bring the iconic trophy directly to fans in multiple international markets, including:
- France
- Spain
- UAE
- South Korea
- Mexico (first-time appearance)
- Norway (first-time appearance)
- South Africa (first-time appearance)
This unprecedented reach underscores Manchester City’s growing global footprint — and OKX’s ambition to connect with diverse audiences passionate about football and innovation. Events during the tour will feature interactive experiences powered by blockchain technology, offering fans unique digital collectibles and behind-the-scenes access.
Building a Legacy Beyond the Pitch
The collaboration between Manchester City and OKX extends beyond visibility and fan events. Both organizations are committed to making a lasting impact in their communities.
Future initiatives will focus on three core areas:
- Supercharging the fan experience through personalized content, gamified interactions, and web3 integrations.
- Providing educational resources to help users understand cryptocurrency fundamentals and trade responsibly.
- Empowering local communities in Manchester through outreach programs, youth development projects, and digital literacy efforts.
Roel de Vries, Group Chief Operating Officer at City Football Group, highlighted the synergy between the two brands:
“We are pleased to expand our relationship with OKX today, as they become the Official Training Kit Partner of Manchester City. OKX and Man City are aligned on values such as innovation and success — and for both parties, everything starts with training and education.”
He referenced the successful content activations launched during the climax of the 2021/22 season, which engaged millions of fans ahead of high-profile fixtures. Looking ahead, he expressed excitement about deepening these collaborations and exploring new frontiers in digital fan engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does OKX’s sponsorship cover?
A: OKX is now Manchester City’s Official Training Kit Partner, with its branding appearing on all training apparel for both men’s and women’s first teams. They are also the presenting partner of the club’s global Trophy Tour.
Q: Is this partnership related to cryptocurrency betting or gambling?
A: No. The partnership focuses on education, responsible trading, fan engagement, and innovation — not gambling or speculative betting activities.
Q: Can fans interact with OKX digitally through this partnership?
A: Yes. Fans can scan QR codes on official murals in Manchester for exclusive rewards. Additionally, OKX offers demo trading tools and educational content for those interested in learning more about crypto.
Q: Are there any web3 or NFT components to this collaboration?
A: While not detailed in this announcement, previous collaborations have included NFT drops and digital collectibles. Future web3 integrations are expected as part of ongoing fan experience enhancements.
Q: Why is training emphasized in this sponsorship?
A: Both Manchester City and OKX believe that mastery comes from preparation. Just as athletes train before matches, OKX encourages users to practice trading in a risk-free environment before entering live markets.
Q: Will this affect matchday kits or stadium naming rights?
A: Currently, this partnership applies only to training kits and select experiences. There are no changes to matchday jerseys or stadium naming rights announced at this time.
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Final Thoughts
Manchester City’s new training kit sponsorship with OKX represents more than a branding deal — it's a fusion of sport, technology, and education. By aligning around shared principles like innovation, discipline, and long-term growth, both organizations are redefining what modern partnerships can achieve.
From street art installations with real-world utility to global trophy tours powered by digital engagement, this collaboration sets a new standard for how sports clubs connect with fans in the digital age.
As football continues to evolve, so too does its relationship with technology. And with pioneers like Manchester City and OKX leading the charge, the future of fan experience looks more dynamic — and more inclusive — than ever before.
Core Keywords: Manchester City, OKX, cryptocurrency, training kit sponsor, fan engagement, web3, responsible trading, sports sponsorship