In a major move that underscores the growing intersection between cryptocurrency and global sports, OKX has officially become Manchester City’s new Training Kit Partner for the 2022/23 season. This landmark multi-year partnership marks one of the most visible integrations of a crypto platform within elite football, positioning OKX at the heart of one of the world’s most successful football clubs.
The deal builds on an earlier agreement from March, where OKX was named the club’s official crypto partner. Now, the collaboration has deepened significantly — with OKX branding prominently displayed across all Manchester City training kits worn by both men’s and women’s squads during practice sessions, fitness drills, and pre-match preparations.
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A Strategic Move Beyond Brand Visibility
While traditional sponsorships focus primarily on logo placement, this partnership goes further by emphasizing education, community involvement, and long-term value creation. As part of the agreement, select Manchester City players will participate in creating educational content about cryptocurrency — aimed at demystifying digital assets for fans worldwide.
This aligns with OKX's core mission: to empower users with knowledge and tools to become responsible, long-term traders. By leveraging the discipline and dedication seen on the training ground, OKX draws a parallel between athletic preparation and financial readiness.
Haider Rafique, Global Chief Marketing Officer at OKX, emphasized this connection:
“The real grit and perseverance is built on the training ground.”
He added that just as Manchester City players train relentlessly to achieve excellence, aspiring crypto traders can use OKX’s demo trading feature to practice risk-free before entering live markets. This analogy reinforces a culture of learning, resilience, and strategic thinking — values shared by both elite athletes and savvy investors.
Fan Engagement Through Art and Technology
Beyond the pitch, OKX is investing in local culture to deepen its connection with Manchester’s community. The company commissioned renowned street artist Akse P19, in collaboration with the Global Street Art Agency, to create four large-scale murals across the city.
These vibrant artworks celebrate the spirit of football and innovation — and come with an interactive twist. Each mural features a scannable QR code that unlocks exclusive experiences, including chances to win tickets to the OKX Hospitality Box at Etihad Stadium. This gamified approach not only drives engagement but also introduces fans to blockchain-powered utilities in a tangible, accessible way.
It’s a smart fusion of art, technology, and fandom — reflecting how modern brands are moving beyond passive advertising to create immersive experiences.
Shared Values: Innovation, Education, and Excellence
Roel de Vries, Group Chief Operating Officer at City Football Group, highlighted the alignment between the two organizations:
“OKX and Man City align on values such as innovation and success, and for both parties, everything starts with training and education.”
This shared philosophy suggests a partnership rooted in more than just commercial interest. It reflects a mutual belief in continuous improvement, forward-thinking strategies, and building sustainable futures — whether in sports or digital finance.
With Manchester City having clinched the Premier League title in the previous season, the visibility of OKX branding during training sessions ensures high exposure across global broadcasts, social media content, and behind-the-scenes documentaries.
The Growing Trend of Crypto Sponsorships in Football
OKX’s deal follows a broader trend of blockchain platforms entering the world of professional football. In February, Tezos signed a similar training kit sponsorship with Manchester United — valued at approximately $27 million per year. That deal positioned Tezos as a key player in football’s digital transformation.
Now, with OKX partnering with Manchester City — United’s cross-town rivals — there’s a clear signaling of competitive momentum within the crypto space. These partnerships aren’t just about branding; they represent strategic plays to reach millions of passionate fans while promoting blockchain literacy.
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Core Keywords and SEO Integration
This evolving synergy between sports and cryptocurrency highlights several key themes that resonate with search intent:
- Manchester City sponsorship
- OKX crypto partnership
- crypto training kit deal
- blockchain in sports
- football and cryptocurrency
- OKX demo trading
- fan engagement crypto
- sports sponsorship 2025
These keywords naturally emerge throughout the narrative, ensuring relevance for users searching for updates on football sponsorships, crypto brand expansions, or educational trading platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does OKX’s partnership with Manchester City include?
A: OKX is now the official Training Kit Partner for Manchester City for the 2022/23 season. Their logo appears on all training wear, and the collaboration includes player-led educational content about crypto, community art projects, and fan engagement initiatives like hospitality giveaways.
Q: Is this a global or regional sponsorship?
A: This is a global partnership. It covers both the men’s and women’s teams and includes international marketing campaigns, digital content distribution, and fan experiences worldwide.
Q: How is OKX using this deal to promote crypto education?
A: OKX is working with Manchester City players to produce educational material explaining blockchain basics and responsible trading. They also encourage new users to try their demo trading platform — likening it to “training mode” for aspiring traders.
Q: Are other football clubs working with crypto brands?
A: Yes. For example, Tezos sponsors Manchester United’s training kits. Several other clubs across Europe have partnered with crypto exchanges, wallets, and blockchain networks for shirt sponsorships or digital collectibles projects.
Q: Can fans interact directly with OKX through this partnership?
A: Absolutely. Fans can engage via QR codes on murals in Manchester to enter contests for match tickets. Additionally, OKX runs special campaigns during match days and offers exclusive content through its social channels.
Q: Does OKX offer services tailored for sports fans?
A: While OKX doesn’t have fan-specific products yet, the partnership aims to onboard new users by making crypto more approachable through familiar touchpoints like football culture, team loyalty, and interactive experiences.
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Looking Ahead: Building Long-Term Value
This partnership isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan marketing stunt. With a multi-year agreement in place, OKX is laying the groundwork for sustained brand integration within one of football’s most dynamic ecosystems.
By focusing on education, community impact, and shared values like perseverance and innovation, OKX positions itself not just as a sponsor — but as a thought leader helping bridge traditional sports audiences with the future of finance.
As digital assets continue gaining mainstream traction, collaborations like this will play a crucial role in shaping public perception — turning skepticism into curiosity, and curiosity into informed participation.
In the fast-evolving world of crypto, sometimes the best way to win isn’t on the exchange — it’s on the training ground.