Manchester City has deepened its collaboration with global cryptocurrency platform OKX, naming it the club’s Official Training Kit Partner for the 2022/23 season. Under the expanded agreement, OKX branding will appear prominently across the training apparel worn by both the men’s and women’s first teams during their daily sessions and pre-match preparations.
This marks a significant evolution in the partnership that began earlier in 2022 when OKX was announced as Manchester City’s Official Cryptocurrency Exchange Partner. Since then, the two organizations have worked closely to enhance digital engagement opportunities for fans around the world—especially during key moments in the football calendar.
The men’s first team will wear their new OKX-branded training kits for the first time upon returning for pre-season preparations, while the women’s squad will debut theirs in the coming weeks as they resume training ahead of their competitive fixtures.
Enhancing Fan Engagement Through Innovation
Roel de Vries, Group Chief Operating Officer at City Football Group, highlighted the strategic vision behind the collaboration:
“Since the initial partnership began in March 2022, we have worked together to ‘supercharge the fan experience’ through a number of exciting content activations ahead of high-profile fixtures during the culmination of the 2021/22 season—and we look forward to continuing to develop these opportunities over the coming year.”
This focus on fan experience reflects a broader trend in elite sports: leveraging technology and digital platforms to connect more meaningfully with supporters beyond matchdays. With OKX’s expertise in blockchain and digital assets, Manchester City is exploring innovative ways to bring fans closer to the action—from exclusive NFT drops to immersive virtual experiences.
👉 Discover how digital innovation is transforming modern sports fandom.
Street Art Meets Football: Murals Celebrate City Stars
To celebrate the new partnership, OKX has commissioned renowned street artist Akse P19, in collaboration with Global Street Art Agency, to create a series of striking murals across Manchester. These artworks will feature iconic players such as Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, João Cancelo, and John Stones—four figures who embody the energy, talent, and global appeal of Manchester City.
Located in high-visibility areas throughout the city, each mural will be embedded with a QR code that fans can scan using their smartphones. By doing so, they’ll gain entry into a prize draw for an exclusive reward: a full-season ticket located in the OKX Hospitality Box at Etihad Stadium—an unparalleled experience offering premium access and unforgettable matchday moments.
This creative fusion of urban art and football culture not only honors player contributions but also strengthens community ties between the club and its local fanbase.
Global Trophy Tour Expands Reach
As part of the ongoing partnership, OKX is now the presenting partner of Manchester City’s first global Trophy Tour since 2019—launched following the club’s fourth Premier League title win in five years. The tour represents a major outreach initiative, bringing the coveted Premier League trophy directly to fans in international markets.
Destinations include established football hubs like France, Spain, and South Korea, as well as new territories where City’s popularity continues to grow—such as Mexico, Norway, and South Africa, all visiting for the first time.
These events are designed to offer interactive fan zones, photo opportunities with the trophy, player meet-and-greets (in select locations), and digital engagement activities powered by OKX’s platform. The goal is clear: deepen global brand presence while rewarding loyalty among the club’s rapidly expanding international supporter base.
👉 See how blockchain is powering next-gen fan experiences in sports.
Keywords Driving Digital Sports Evolution
The collaboration between Manchester City and OKX highlights several core trends shaping modern sports marketing:
- Cryptocurrency in sports
- Blockchain fan engagement
- Digital collectibles (NFTs)
- Sports sponsorship innovation
- Fan experience technology
- Global trophy tours
- Training kit branding
- Premier League partnerships
These keywords reflect both current industry movements and future directions—where digital integration isn’t just supplementary but central to how clubs build relationships with fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does it mean for OKX to be Manchester City’s Official Training Kit Partner?
It means that OKX branding will be displayed on all training gear used by Manchester City’s men’s and women’s first teams throughout the 2022/23 season. This includes training jackets, shirts, pants, and warm-up kits worn during practice sessions and pre-game preparations.
Is this partnership related to cryptocurrency or NFTs?
Yes. As a leading cryptocurrency exchange, OKX uses this partnership to promote blockchain-based fan engagement tools—including digital collectibles, token-gated experiences, and interactive campaigns—aimed at enhancing how supporters interact with the club beyond traditional media.
Where can fans see the OKX x Manchester City murals?
The murals are located in four different areas across Manchester and feature star players like Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish. Exact locations are shared through Manchester City’s official social channels and OKX promotional materials to encourage exploration and fan participation.
Can international fans join the season ticket giveaway?
Yes. While some aspects of the campaign prioritize local engagement, scanning QR codes from anywhere in the world typically qualifies fans for entry into prize draws, including the chance to win a season ticket in the OKX Hospitality Box.
How long will the partnership between Manchester City and OKX last?
The specific duration hasn’t been publicly disclosed. However, given the multi-layered nature of the collaboration—including training kit branding, trophy tours, and digital activations—it suggests a long-term strategic alliance rather than a one-season arrangement.
Are there any NFT drops planned as part of this partnership?
While not detailed in this announcement, previous collaborations between sports clubs and crypto platforms often include limited-edition NFT releases. Fans should expect potential digital collectible drops in the near future, especially tied to major matches or milestones.
Building the Future of Sports Sponsorship
The integration of tech-forward partners like OKX into elite football represents a shift toward more dynamic, digitally enabled fan ecosystems. It's no longer just about logo placement—it's about creating value through innovation.
From augmented reality experiences to blockchain-powered loyalty programs, clubs like Manchester City are redefining what sponsorship means in the digital age. And with OKX at their side, they’re positioned to lead that transformation.
👉 Explore how sports and blockchain are converging to redefine fan engagement.
This partnership exemplifies how forward-thinking brands and clubs can co-create meaningful experiences that resonate across generations and geographies—blending tradition with technology to build a more inclusive and interactive future for sport.