Manchester City Football Club and OKX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 technology innovator, have announced a significant expansion of their partnership. Under the new multi-year agreement, OKX will become the Club’s Official Sleeve Partner, with its branding featured prominently on the left sleeve of both the men’s and women’s first-team match kits, as well as continuing on training wear.
This milestone marks a deeper integration between two forward-thinking organizations committed to innovation, global engagement, and pioneering digital experiences for fans worldwide.
A Growing Partnership Rooted in Innovation
Since its initial collaboration in March 2022, the relationship between Manchester City and OKX has evolved rapidly. That year, OKX became the Club’s Official Training Kit Partner for the 2022/23 season — a role it maintained before now stepping into an even more visible position on matchday jerseys.
The expanded partnership reflects mutual ambitions: Manchester City continues to push boundaries beyond the pitch, while OKX leverages sports partnerships to drive mainstream adoption of Web3, blockchain, and digital assets.
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Global Visibility and Fan-Centric Experiences
With the OKX logo now appearing on the sleeve of one of the most-watched football kits in the world, the brand gains unprecedented access to Manchester City’s massive global audience — spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond.
But beyond branding, the partnership is built around innovative fan experiences powered by next-generation technology. One standout initiative has been the OKX Collective, a metaverse-based platform that allows fans to interact with digital avatars of Manchester City stars like Jack Grealish and Alex Greenwood.
These immersive experiences represent a shift in how clubs connect with supporters — moving from passive viewing to active participation through NFTs, virtual meetups, and interactive content.
“We are very proud to have OKX represented on the sleeve of the Manchester City shirt,” said Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group. “Both OKX and Manchester City are leading companies driven by a passion for innovation. We have already seen great Web3 experiences designed by OKX for Manchester City’s global fan base — and there will be many more to come. This is a very exciting partnership.”
Behind the Reveal: A Digital-First Launch
The new sleeve design was unveiled during an exclusive event at the Etihad Stadium, attended by key stakeholders including Soriano and Haider Rafique, Global Chief Marketing Officer at OKX.
In a nod to the digital nature of the collaboration, the reveal included a virtual showcase featuring animated player avatars and a hero video blending real-world footage with metaverse elements.
Gaël Clichy, Manchester City legend, joined a media Q&A session, while Natalie Pike, the Club’s presenter, moderated a discussion between Rafique and Soriano on the future of sports, technology, and fan interaction.
During the conversation, both leaders emphasized the importance of using Web3 technology not just for marketing, but for creating meaningful value for fans — whether through exclusive digital collectibles or behind-the-scenes access.
“The journey with the Man City team has been incredible,” said Haider Rafique, CMO at OKX. “Manchester City was our first official global brand partnership, and in just a year and a half we’ve come a long way. We always intended to integrate with the sport and help the Club lead in embracing Web3.”
Rafique highlighted key achievements so far: a fully operational metaverse experience, an active NFT program, and several upcoming projects aimed at deepening fan engagement.
As OKX’s status as the Club’s Official Cryptocurrency Exchange Partner solidifies, fans can expect continued innovation — from gamified challenges to token-gated rewards and more.
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OKX: Powering the Future of Web3 and Digital Ownership
OKX is more than a cryptocurrency exchange — it's a comprehensive Web3 ecosystem designed to empower users with control over their digital assets.
At the core of its offerings is the OKX Wallet, a self-custody solution compatible with decentralized applications (dApps), NFT marketplaces, DeFi protocols, and GameFi platforms. By giving users full ownership of their keys and data, OKX supports true digital sovereignty.
Transparency remains a cornerstone of OKX’s operations. The company publishes its Proof of Reserves monthly, reinforcing trust in its financial integrity — a critical factor in an industry where security concerns persist.
Beyond football, OKX partners with elite global brands such as McLaren Formula 1, The Tribeca Festival, Olympic snowboarder Scotty James, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, further cementing its position at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and technology.
Manchester City: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton and renamed Manchester City FC in 1894, the Club has grown into one of the most successful teams in English football history. With honors including the UEFA Champions League, European Cup Winners’ Cup, nine League Championships, seven FA Cups, and eight League Cups, Manchester City stands among the elite.
Under the leadership of manager Pep Guardiola — widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in football — the team plays its home matches at the Etihad Stadium, a 53,500-seat arena located in East Manchester.
The broader Etihad Campus includes the City Football Academy, a state-of-the-art training and youth development facility. It serves not only the men’s first team but also Manchester City Women’s Football Club and youth squads, making it a hub for talent development across genders and age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does 'Official Sleeve Partner' mean?
A: It means OKX branding appears on the left sleeve of Manchester City’s match kits for both men’s and women’s teams — one of the most visible sponsorship placements in modern football.
Q: How is OKX using Web3 to engage fans?
A: Through initiatives like the OKX Collective metaverse, NFT drops, virtual meet-and-greets with players, and interactive digital experiences that go beyond traditional fan engagement.
Q: Is OKX regulated?
A: OKX is not regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Users should understand that protections like the Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme do not apply. Always assess risks before investing in crypto assets.
Q: Can fans access exclusive content through this partnership?
A: Yes. Fans can participate in special campaigns, win digital collectibles, attend virtual events, and gain unique access to player interactions via OKX-powered platforms.
Q: Does OKX offer services beyond trading?
A: Absolutely. In addition to spot and derivatives trading, OKX provides Web3 tools like its self-custody wallet, staking options, DeFi integrations, NFT marketplace access, and developer resources.
Q: Why are football clubs partnering with crypto brands?
A: Clubs seek innovative ways to reach global audiences. Crypto and Web3 partnerships enable new revenue streams, enhance digital fan engagement, and position teams at the forefront of technological change.
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The Road Ahead: More Than Just a Logo
The OKX-Manchester City partnership exemplifies how sports and technology are converging. It's no longer just about logo placement — it's about building ecosystems where fans feel connected, rewarded, and part of something bigger.
As both organizations continue to innovate, expect more boundary-pushing projects that blend physical sport with digital interactivity — redefining what it means to be a football supporter in the 21st century.
With millions of eyes on each matchday jersey, every pass, goal, and celebration becomes an opportunity to showcase the potential of crypto, blockchain, and decentralized ownership to a global audience.
This isn't just sponsorship — it's evolution.