The world of sports and cryptocurrency continue to converge as OKX, a leading digital asset exchange, officially becomes the training kit partner of Manchester City Football Club for the 2022-23 season. This high-profile collaboration marks a significant milestone in the growing synergy between elite football and blockchain innovation.
As part of the partnership, OKX branding will appear on the training kits worn by both the men’s and women’s first teams during all pre-season, in-season, and off-season training sessions. The new kits made their debut during Manchester City’s first pre-season training session, donned by star players including Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Joao Cancelo, and John Stones.
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A Strategic Expansion of an Existing Partnership
This announcement isn't just a new sponsorship—it’s an expansion of an already thriving relationship between OKX and Manchester City. The initial collaboration laid the foundation for joint initiatives focused on fan engagement, digital innovation, and education around cryptocurrency.
“Our partnership with Man City has provided a great platform through which we have the opportunity to educate those curious about crypto and offer those already involved the training they need to participate responsibly,”
said Haider Rafique, Global Chief Marketing Officer at OKX.
The renewed alliance allows both organizations to explore deeper integrations, including potential co-branded content, exclusive NFT experiences, and interactive learning modules designed to onboard new users into the world of digital assets safely and knowledgeably.
Manchester City, reigning champions of the English Premier League, bring a global fanbase exceeding hundreds of millions across social media and broadcast platforms. This reach offers OKX unparalleled visibility among diverse, tech-savvy audiences who are increasingly open to decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions.
Global Reach Meets Grassroots Impact
Beyond matchday visibility, this partnership emphasizes community engagement. To celebrate the collaboration, OKX commissioned renowned street artist Akse P19, in partnership with Global Street Art Agency, to create custom murals honoring key players. These vibrant artworks are now displayed across four iconic locations in Manchester, blending local culture with global innovation.
This grassroots approach strengthens emotional connections between fans, the club, and the brand—turning passive observers into active participants in the evolving narrative of football and fintech.
Additionally, OKX serves as the presenting partner for Manchester City’s first global Trophy Tour since 2019, following their fourth league title win in five years. The tour brings the Premier League trophy to international fanbases, offering immersive experiences enhanced by digital collectibles and blockchain-powered interactions.
Why This Matters in a Bear Market
The timing of this announcement is particularly noteworthy. It arrives during a prolonged crypto bear market, where Bitcoin (BTC) dipped below $21,000—a psychological threshold that tested investor confidence across the industry.
Despite broader market uncertainty, OKX’s multi-million-dollar commitment signals long-term belief in the value of strategic partnerships. Rather than retreating during downturns, forward-thinking companies like OKX are investing in brand equity, user education, and real-world applications of blockchain technology.
This move aligns with a growing trend: crypto firms leveraging sports sponsorships not just for exposure, but to build trust, credibility, and mainstream adoption.
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Financial Scope of the Deal
While official figures were not disclosed in the press release, credible reports suggest that OKX is paying over $20 million for the training kit rights during the 2022-23 season. According to Forbes, this sum reflects the rising commercial value of non-matchday branding opportunities within top-tier football clubs.
Such investments highlight how digital asset exchanges are prioritizing sustained engagement over short-term gains. Training kits may not be worn in official matches, but they feature heavily in media coverage, social content, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes footage—ensuring consistent brand presence throughout the year.
For context, Manchester City ranks among the most valuable football clubs globally, with strong commercial revenue streams from sponsorships, merchandise, and digital content. Their ability to attract premium partners like OKX underscores their status as innovators both on and off the pitch.
Empowering Fans Through Education
At its core, this partnership goes beyond logos and jerseys. It's about financial empowerment and digital literacy. OKX has consistently emphasized responsible participation in crypto markets, especially amid volatile conditions.
Through co-developed educational campaigns, fans gain access to beginner-friendly resources explaining blockchain basics, wallet security, NFT ownership, and DeFi protocols. These efforts aim to demystify complex concepts and reduce barriers to entry for newcomers.
Moreover, integrating these lessons within a trusted environment—such as one associated with a beloved football club—helps combat misinformation and promotes safer engagement with digital assets.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: What does being a 'training kit partner' mean?
A: A training kit partner has their branding displayed on the practice jerseys worn by players during training sessions, press events, and promotional activities. While not worn during official matches, these kits receive extensive media exposure year-round.
Q: Is OKX replacing any other sponsor?
A: No official replacement was announced. This is an expansion of existing sponsorship categories, focusing specifically on training apparel rather than matchday kits.
Q: Will fans be able to buy these training kits?
A: Yes, Manchester City typically releases player-inspired training wear through official retail channels, allowing supporters to purchase versions of the OKX-branded kits.
Q: Does this partnership include women’s football?
A: Absolutely. The agreement includes both the men’s and women’s first teams, promoting gender equality in sports sponsorship and increasing visibility for women’s football.
Q: How does this benefit crypto users?
A: The partnership supports broader educational initiatives that help users understand crypto safely. It also opens doors for exclusive digital experiences like NFT drops or fan tokens linked to club milestones.
Q: Is this deal affected by cryptocurrency market downturns?
A: While market conditions influence spending across the industry, OKX’s investment demonstrates confidence in long-term growth and the power of strategic branding in trusted ecosystems.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports x Crypto
The fusion of football and cryptocurrency represents more than marketing—it’s a cultural shift. As digital ownership, tokenized assets, and decentralized communities gain traction, partnerships like OKX and Manchester City set the standard for what’s possible.
From training grounds to global tours, from street art to smart contracts, this collaboration exemplifies how innovation can honor tradition while paving the way forward.
As the 2022-23 season unfolds, expect deeper integrations between fan engagement platforms and blockchain tools—ushering in a new era where every supporter can be more than just a spectator.
Core Keywords: OKX, Manchester City, training kit partner, cryptocurrency exchange, football sponsorship, crypto education, sports and blockchain, Premier League