OKX Named Official Training Kit Partner of Manchester City for 2022-23 Season

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In a major move that underscores the growing synergy between sports and digital innovation, OKX has been named the official training kit partner of Manchester City Football Club for the 2022-23 season. This high-profile collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of sports sponsorships, particularly within the realm of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

As part of the expanded partnership, OKX’s branding will be prominently featured on the training kits worn by both the men’s and women’s squads of Manchester City. The newly designed kits were unveiled during the team’s first pre-season training session, donned by star players including Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Joao Cancelo, and John Stones. The women’s team will begin wearing the kits upon their return to training next month.

"Our partnership with Man City has provided an incredible platform through which we can educate those curious about crypto and offer training for those already involved, empowering them to participate responsibly."
— Haider Rafique, Global Chief Marketing Officer at OKX

This strategic alliance goes beyond branding. It reflects OKX’s broader mission to promote financial literacy and responsible engagement in the crypto space, using one of the world’s most followed football clubs as a global megaphone.

Deepening a Strategic Partnership

The announcement represents an expansion of an already established relationship. Since 2019, OKX has served as the presenting partner for Manchester City’s global Trophy Tour — a traveling exhibition celebrating the club’s historic achievements, including their fourth Premier League title in five years. This latest development signals a deeper integration between the exchange and the club, with both parties exploring additional collaborative opportunities in areas such as fan engagement, digital collectibles, and blockchain-based experiences.

👉 Discover how blockchain is transforming sports fan experiences today.

The partnership also includes a unique cultural activation: to celebrate the collaboration, OKX commissioned renowned street artist Akse P19 and Global Street Art Agency to create custom murals honoring key Manchester City players. These artworks have been installed at four prominent locations across Manchester, blending urban culture with football passion and digital innovation.

A Bold Move in a Bear Market

The timing of this announcement is particularly noteworthy. It arrives during a prolonged crypto bear market, with Bitcoin (BTC) trading below $21,000 — a significant psychological threshold. Despite market headwinds, OKX’s decision to invest heavily in sports sponsorship demonstrates long-term confidence in the industry’s growth trajectory.

Such moves are not just about visibility; they’re strategic plays to build trust, expand user education, and normalize cryptocurrency as part of everyday life. By aligning with a globally respected institution like Manchester City — known for its professionalism, innovation, and competitive excellence — OKX strengthens its brand credibility among mainstream audiences.

Financial Scope of the Deal

While official financial terms were not disclosed in the press release, credible reports suggest that OKX is paying over $20 million for this season-long partnership. According to Forbes, citing an insider familiar with the deal, the sum positions OKX among the top-tier sponsors in English football.

For context, Manchester City ranks among the most valuable football clubs globally, with Forbes valuing the club at $4.25 billion — making it the sixth-most valuable soccer team in the world. This places it alongside elite franchises like Manchester United and Real Madrid in terms of commercial power and global reach.

Such investments reflect the increasing monetization potential of sports sponsorships, especially when paired with digital ecosystems that enable deeper fan interaction through NFTs, tokenized rewards, and interactive platforms.

👉 See how top athletes and teams are leveraging blockchain technology.

Why This Partnership Matters

At its core, this collaboration exemplifies a broader trend: the convergence of sports, entertainment, and Web3. Football clubs are no longer just athletic organizations — they’re global media brands with vast digital footprints. For crypto platforms like OKX, partnering with these entities offers unparalleled access to engaged, international audiences.

Moreover, Manchester City’s commitment to innovation — from data analytics to fan experience tech — makes it a natural fit for a forward-thinking brand like OKX. Together, they’re positioned to pioneer new models of fan engagement, potentially integrating elements like:

These possibilities align perfectly with OKX’s vision of making crypto more accessible, educational, and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does "official training kit partner" mean?
A: It means OKX branding appears on all official training apparel worn by Manchester City’s men’s and women’s teams during practice sessions, fitness drills, and non-match-day activities. It does not appear on match-day jerseys.

Q: Is this the first time OKX has partnered with Manchester City?
A: No. The relationship began in 2019 when OKX became the presenting partner of Manchester City’s global Trophy Tour. The 2022-23 announcement expands that collaboration into on-field training gear.

Q: Does this sponsorship include women’s football?
A: Yes. The partnership covers both the men’s and women’s teams, reflecting Manchester City’s commitment to gender equality in sports and OKX’s inclusive approach to audience engagement.

Q: Why are crypto companies sponsoring sports teams?
A: Sports sponsorships help crypto brands build trust, increase visibility, and educate mainstream users in a non-technical environment. Football, with its massive global following, offers an ideal platform for mass adoption.

Q: Will fans get exclusive crypto rewards through this partnership?
A: While not officially confirmed yet, similar partnerships have launched token-gated experiences and NFT collectibles. Future initiatives between OKX and Manchester City could include such features.

👉 Explore cutting-edge crypto partnerships shaping the future of sports.

Final Thoughts

The OKX-Manchester City alliance is more than a sponsorship — it’s a statement about the future of digital finance and sports entertainment. In a climate where crypto adoption faces skepticism, bold moves like this help bridge the gap between innovation and public understanding.

By investing in education, culture, and community — not just logos on jerseys — OKX is setting a new standard for what responsible crypto branding looks like. And with one of football’s most dynamic clubs as its partner, the potential for impact is enormous.

As the 2022-23 season kicks off, all eyes will be on how this partnership evolves — both on the training pitch and in the digital arena.

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