The world of sports and digital innovation continue to converge, and few collaborations highlight this shift more clearly than Manchester City’s new partnership with OKX. As one of the most dominant forces in English football, Manchester City has officially named OKX as its Official Training Kit Partner for the 2022/2023 season — a move that signals deeper integration between elite athletics and the fast-evolving crypto ecosystem.
This strategic alliance places OKX branding prominently across all first-team training kits, worn by both the men’s and women’s squads. The partnership launched as the men’s team returned for pre-season training, debuting the newly branded gear. The women’s team will follow suit, donning their updated training kits when they resume practice the following month.
👉 Discover how sports and blockchain are teaming up for the future of fan engagement.
A Strategic Move Beyond the Pitch
While many sponsorships focus on matchday visibility, this collaboration emphasizes the behind-the-scenes foundation of success: training. Haider Rafique, Global Chief Marketing Officer at OKX, emphasized the symbolic connection between athletic development and digital growth:
“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 training ground over to our trading app community.”
This philosophy underscores a shared value — excellence through preparation. Just as players refine their skills during daily sessions, OKX aims to help users build confidence and competence in cryptocurrency trading through education, security, and intuitive tools.
Elevating Fan Experience Through Art and Technology
To mark the launch, OKX commissioned renowned street artist Akse P19, in collaboration with Global Street Art Agency, to create a series of murals celebrating key Manchester City stars: Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, João Cancelo, and John Stones. These vibrant artworks are installed across four iconic locations in Manchester.
Each mural features an embedded QR code, allowing fans to interact directly with the campaign. By scanning the code, supporters enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a full-season pass to the OKX Hospitality Box at Etihad Stadium — an exclusive experience that blends premium viewing with immersive brand engagement.
This fusion of public art, digital interactivity, and real-world rewards exemplifies how modern sponsorships go beyond logos on jerseys. They create participatory experiences that deepen emotional connections between fans, clubs, and brands.
👉 See how blockchain is transforming fan rewards in global sports.
Celebrating Success: The Trophy Tour
OKX isn’t just investing in daily training — it’s also amplifying Manchester City’s triumphs. As a sponsor of the club’s first global trophy tour since 2019, OKX is helping celebrate Manchester City’s fourth Premier League title in five years.
Fans across France, Spain, the UAE, South Korea, Mexico, Norway, and South Africa will have the rare opportunity to stand face-to-face with the Premier League trophy. These events aren’t just photo opportunities; they’re community gatherings featuring interactive exhibits, player meet-and-greets (virtual or in-person), and exclusive OKX-led activities focused on digital literacy and safe crypto practices.
These stops serve dual purposes: honoring the club’s international fanbase and introducing blockchain technology to audiences who may be new to the space — all under the trusted banner of a world-class football institution.
Building Long-Term Value Through Education
Beyond branding and events, OKX is committed to sustainable fan empowerment. The partnership includes plans to develop educational initiatives aimed at helping supporters understand cryptocurrency fundamentals — from wallet security to market analysis — in accessible, jargon-free formats.
Such programs align with broader industry needs. As digital assets become more mainstream, responsible adoption depends on informed users. By leveraging Manchester City’s reach, OKX can deliver these messages through trusted channels, turning casual interest into lasting knowledge.
Future activations may include:
- In-stadium workshops during select matches
- Online webinars co-hosted with club legends
- Gamified learning modules within the OKX app
- Youth programs focused on tech and finance literacy
These efforts reflect a shift from transactional sponsorship to transformational engagement — where value is measured not just in impressions, but in impact.
👉 Learn how leading platforms are making crypto education simple and secure.
Core Keywords Integration
Throughout this evolving partnership, several key themes emerge — each representing core search intents for fans, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike:
- Manchester City training kit
- OKX sponsorship
- crypto in sports
- fan engagement blockchain
- football and cryptocurrency
- digital collectibles football
- sports tech innovation
- Premier League trophy tour
These keywords naturally align with trending topics in both sports marketing and fintech adoption. Their organic inclusion ensures strong SEO performance while maintaining editorial authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does OKX’s role as Training Kit Partner include?
A: OKX branding appears on all first-team training apparel for both Manchester City Men’s and Women’s squads. The partnership also includes co-branded fan experiences, educational content, and global trophy tour activations.
Q: When did the partnership begin?
A: The collaboration officially launched at the start of Manchester City’s 2022/2023 pre-season training. The men’s team debuted the kit immediately, with the women’s team adopting it shortly after.
Q: How can fans participate in OKX x Man City promotions?
A: Fans can scan QR codes on official murals in Manchester to enter giveaways, including season access to the OKX Hospitality Box. Additional opportunities are available during the international trophy tour and via the OKX app.
Q: Is OKX involved with matchday jerseys?
A: No. While OKX is the Official Training Kit Partner and Cryptocurrency Exchange Partner, it does not appear on Manchester City’s official matchday kits. That sponsorship remains separate.
Q: Does this mean Manchester City accepts cryptocurrency payments?
A: While not explicitly stated in this announcement, many clubs with similar partnerships offer crypto payment options for tickets and merchandise. Updates would likely be shared through official club channels.
Q: Why are football clubs partnering with crypto platforms?
A: These collaborations provide clubs with innovative revenue streams and global outreach tools. For crypto brands, football offers massive audiences and credibility. Together, they drive mutual growth in digital engagement.
This landmark partnership between Manchester City and OKX represents more than a sponsorship — it's a blueprint for how sports organizations can embrace technology to educate, engage, and empower fans in the digital age.