Manchester City and OKX, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume and a pioneering Web3 technology company, have announced a major expansion of their partnership. OKX will now serve as the Club’s Official Sleeve Partner in a new multi-year agreement, marking a significant milestone in the convergence of elite football and digital innovation.
The collaboration will see the OKX logo prominently displayed on the left sleeve of both the men’s and women’s first-team playing kits, continuing its presence on training wear. This enhanced visibility extends across a broad range of digital and physical club assets, reinforcing OKX’s deep integration with one of football’s most globally recognized brands.
A Growing Partnership Rooted in Innovation
Since its inception in March 2022, the relationship between OKX and Manchester City has evolved rapidly. Initially launched as a digital engagement initiative, it expanded in July 2022 to make OKX the Club’s Official Training Kit Partner for the 2022/23 season. Now, with this latest development, the partnership reaches a new tier—symbolizing mutual commitment to innovation, fan engagement, and technological advancement.
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This evolution reflects more than just branding—it represents a shared vision between two forward-thinking organizations. Both Manchester City and OKX are driven by data, performance, and cutting-edge technology, making their alliance a natural fit in today’s digital-first landscape.
Web3-Powered Fan Engagement at Scale
One of the most impactful aspects of the partnership has been its focus on Web3 fan experiences. Through initiatives like the OKX Collective Metaverse, fans gain unprecedented access to immersive digital environments featuring player avatars, exclusive content, and interactive events. These experiences allow supporters to engage with stars such as Jack Grealish and Alex Greenwood beyond the pitch—bridging the gap between athletes and audiences through blockchain-powered innovation.
NFTs, decentralized finance (DeFi), and gamified digital collectibles have become central to how modern sports brands connect with younger, tech-savvy audiences. OKX has leveraged these tools to create dynamic touchpoints that go beyond traditional sponsorship models.
“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.”
A Strategic Move in the Digital Economy
The sleeve placement is more than symbolic—it’s strategic. As one of the most visible yet understated branding positions on a football jersey, the sleeve offers high recognition without overshadowing club identity. For OKX, this means increased global exposure across live broadcasts, social media, merchandise, and matchday activations—all while aligning with a brand known for excellence, discipline, and long-term vision.
The expanded deal was officially unveiled at an exclusive event held at Etihad Stadium, featuring a virtual reveal powered by player avatars and a hero video showcasing the new design. Attendees included City legend Gaël Clichy, who participated in a media Q&A session, and senior executives from both organizations.
Haider Rafique, Global Chief Marketing Officer at OKX, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership:
“The journey with the Man City team has been incredible. 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. Fast forward fifteen months, we now have a metaverse, an NFT initiative, and several other exciting projects in development.”
Why Web3 Matters in Modern Sports
The integration of Web3 technology into sports isn’t just about trends—it’s about redefining engagement. Traditional fan interactions are often passive: watching games, buying jerseys, or attending matches. But Web3 introduces active participation through ownership, rewards, and community governance.
With OKX’s support, Manchester City fans can now:
- Own limited-edition digital collectibles tied to key moments
- Participate in exclusive virtual events
- Access gamified loyalty programs
- Engage with player avatars in immersive environments
These innovations cater directly to Gen Z and millennial audiences who value personalization, digital ownership, and interactive content.
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Commitment to Security and Transparency
As a leader in the crypto space, OKX prioritizes security and transparency. The platform publishes its Proof of Reserves monthly—a critical measure that verifies user asset backing and reinforces trust in an industry often scrutinized for opacity.
Additionally, OKX offers self-custody solutions like the OKX Wallet, which supports seamless access to decentralized exchanges (DEXs), NFT marketplaces, DeFi protocols, GameFi apps, and thousands of dApps—all while giving users full control over their digital assets.
This focus on user empowerment aligns perfectly with Manchester City’s ethos: performance, trust, and continuous improvement.
Global Reach, Local Impact
Manchester City’s influence spans over 650 million fans worldwide. By partnering with OKX, the Club amplifies its ability to deliver localized digital experiences across regions—from Asia to North America to Africa—where interest in both football and digital assets continues to surge.
Moreover, the partnership supports broader initiatives within the City Football Academy, home to both men’s and women’s elite squads. The Etihad Campus serves not only as a training ground but also as a hub for youth development and innovation—mirroring OKX’s investment in future technologies and talent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does "Official Sleeve Partner" mean?
A: It means OKX’s branding will appear on the left sleeve of Manchester City’s first-team match kits for both men’s and women’s squads—a highly visible position during games and media appearances.
Q: How is OKX using Web3 to engage fans?
A: Through the OKX Collective Metaverse, NFT drops, digital collectibles, and interactive experiences featuring player avatars and exclusive content.
Q: Is this partnership only about branding?
A: No—it goes beyond logos. The collaboration focuses on co-creating innovative fan experiences using blockchain, decentralization, and digital ownership models.
Q: Does OKX offer financial products related to sports?
A: While OKX does not currently offer sports-related financial instruments, it enables users to trade cryptocurrencies that may be used in fan token ecosystems or Web3 sports platforms.
Q: How does this benefit Manchester City fans?
A: Fans gain access to unique digital experiences, exclusive content, potential rewards, and deeper interaction with players—all powered by secure Web3 infrastructure.
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. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk—values can fluctuate significantly.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports x Technology
As football becomes increasingly digital, partnerships like this set a precedent for how clubs can evolve beyond traditional sponsorship models. The fusion of elite sport with Web3 opens doors to new revenue streams, deeper fan relationships, and global community building.
For OKX, this is just the beginning. With ongoing projects in metaverse development, wallet innovation, and decentralized identity systems, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the next-generation internet—one where fans don’t just watch history but help shape it.
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As both Manchester City and OKX continue their pursuit of excellence—on the pitch and in technology—their partnership stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when innovation meets legacy.