Manchester City and OKX, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume and a pioneering Web3 technology company, have announced a significant expansion of their partnership. Under a new multi-year agreement, OKX will become the Club’s Official Sleeve Partner — a prominent branding position on both the men’s and women’s first team match kits.
This strategic collaboration marks a major milestone in the evolving relationship between sports and digital innovation. The OKX logo will appear on the left sleeve of all competitive playing kits, as well as continue its presence on training wear. Beyond kit branding, the partnership will extend across digital platforms, fan engagement initiatives, and immersive Web3 experiences that connect global supporters with their favorite team like never before.
A Growing Alliance Rooted in Innovation
The partnership between Manchester City and OKX began in March 2022, initially focused on digital outreach and brand visibility. It quickly evolved, with OKX becoming the Club’s Official Training Kit Partner for the 2022/23 season. Since then, millions of football fans worldwide have engaged with OKX through cutting-edge campaigns that blend sport, technology, and community.
One standout initiative has been the OKX Collective Metaverse, an interactive virtual space where fans gain exclusive access to player avatars, behind-the-scenes content, and special events featuring club ambassadors such as Jack Grealish and Alex Greenwood. These experiences exemplify how Web3 can deepen fan loyalty and create new forms of engagement beyond the stadium.
👉 Discover how Web3 is transforming sports fandom and unlocking unique fan experiences.
The expanded sleeve partnership is more than a branding move — it represents a shared vision between two forward-thinking organizations committed to innovation, global reach, and technological advancement.
Exclusive Reveal at Etihad Stadium
The new sleeve design was unveiled during a special event at the Etihad Stadium, attended by key figures including Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive Officer at City Football Group, and Haider Rafique, Global Chief Marketing Officer at OKX. The launch featured a futuristic “virtual reveal” using animated player avatars in a hero video, blending physical and digital worlds seamlessly.
Manchester City legend Gaël Clichy joined the event for a media Q&A session, highlighting the Club’s ongoing commitment to embracing new technologies that enhance the fan experience. The discussion was moderated by Manchester City presenter Natalie Pike, who guided a conversation between Rafique and Soriano about the future of sports partnerships in the Web3 era.
Both executives emphasized the importance of authenticity and long-term value in brand collaborations. They stressed that OKX’s integration goes beyond logo placement — it's about creating meaningful touchpoints that resonate with tech-savvy audiences and traditional football fans alike.
Ferran Soriano, CEO at City Football Group, said:
“We are very proud to have OKX represented on the sleeve of the Manchester City shirt. 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.”Haider Rafique, CMO at OKX, added:
“The journey with the Man City team has been incredible. Manchester City was our first official global brand partnership, and in just over a year and a half, we’ve achieved so much together. From launching our metaverse experience to introducing NFT initiatives and other innovative projects, we’re proving that crypto and sports can create real value for fans.”
Driving Fan Engagement Through Web3
At the heart of this partnership lies a mission to redefine fan interaction. Traditional sports sponsorships often focus on visibility alone, but OKX and Manchester City are building something deeper — a dynamic ecosystem where fans don’t just watch, but participate.
Through blockchain-powered collectibles (NFTs), token-gated experiences, decentralized finance (DeFi) integrations, and gamified challenges, supporters can now earn rewards, access exclusive content, and feel closer to the action than ever before. The OKX Wallet — a self-custody solution compatible with thousands of dApps — plays a crucial role in enabling these interactions securely and seamlessly.
As Web3 adoption grows, especially among younger demographics, this kind of digital engagement becomes not just innovative but essential for clubs aiming to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.
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About OKX: Powering the Future of Digital Interaction
OKX is more than a cryptocurrency exchange — it's a comprehensive Web3 platform dedicated to building the infrastructure of tomorrow’s internet. With products like the OKX Wallet, users maintain full control over their digital assets while accessing decentralized exchanges (DEXs), NFT marketplaces, GameFi applications, and DeFi protocols.
Transparency is central to OKX’s philosophy. The company publishes its Proof of Reserves monthly, reinforcing trust and security in an industry where accountability matters most.
In addition to Manchester City, OKX partners with elite global brands such as McLaren Formula 1, The Tribeca Festival, Olympic snowboarder Scotty James, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo — underscoring its position at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and technology.
About Manchester City Football Club
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. Under manager Pep Guardiola — widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the sport — Manchester City plays its home matches at the 53,500-seat Etihad Stadium.
The Club has won numerous honors, including the UEFA Champions League, nine League Championships, seven FA Cups, and eight League Cups. It is part of the City Football Group, which includes 13 clubs worldwide.
The Etihad Campus houses not only the main stadium but also the state-of-the-art City Football Academy — home to the Women’s Football Club, Elite Development Squad, and youth training programs. This integrated approach reflects Manchester City’s commitment to excellence on and off the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “Official Sleeve Partner” mean?
A: It means OKX’s logo will appear on the left sleeve of Manchester City’s men’s and women’s first team match kits — one of the most visible sponsorship positions in modern football.
Q: How long will this partnership last?
A: The agreement is multi-year, though exact duration details have not been publicly disclosed.
Q: Will fans benefit directly from this partnership?
A: Yes. Fans can expect exclusive Web3 experiences, NFT drops, metaverse events, and interactive campaigns that deepen engagement with players and club content.
Q: Is OKX regulated?
A: OKX is not regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Users should understand the risks involved in crypto trading, including price volatility and potential tax implications.
Q: How can I access OKX’s Web3 features?
A: You can use the OKX Wallet app or visit OKX.com to explore decentralized apps, NFTs, DeFi services, and more.
Q: Does this affect other Manchester City sponsors?
A: No. The sleeve space is a separate sponsorship zone. This expansion enhances rather than replaces existing partnerships.
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Final Thoughts
The expanded partnership between Manchester City and OKX signals a new chapter in sports sponsorship — one where technology drives connection, innovation fuels engagement, and fans become active participants in the club’s journey.
As blockchain and Web3 continue to mature, collaborations like this set a benchmark for how forward-thinking organizations can leverage digital transformation to build stronger communities and deliver unforgettable experiences.
For fans around the world, this isn’t just about seeing a logo on a jersey — it’s about being part of a movement shaping the future of football and digital interaction.