In a strategic move that underscores the growing intersection between sports and digital innovation, OKX has been named the Official Training Kit Partner of Manchester City for the 2022/23 season. This partnership marks a significant step forward in how leading football clubs are aligning with forward-thinking technology platforms to enhance fan engagement and promote financial literacy in the digital age.
A New Era of Sports Sponsorship
OKX, a globally recognized cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in the Seychelles, replaces Expo 2020 Dubai on the training kits of both Manchester City’s men’s and women’s teams. The deal, valued at approximately £16.5 million, reflects the increasing value of non-matchday branding opportunities and highlights the club’s commitment to innovation beyond the pitch.
Training is where champions are made — not just through physical exertion, but through discipline, repetition, and preparation. This philosophy resonates deeply with OKX’s mission to empower users with knowledge and tools before they engage in live crypto trading.
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Shared Values: Innovation, Education, and Excellence
The collaboration between Manchester City and OKX is built on shared core values — innovation, education, and long-term success. Since their initial partnership launched in March 2022, the two organizations have worked together to “supercharge the fan experience” through interactive content, exclusive digital activations, and educational initiatives ahead of major fixtures.
Haider Rafique, Global Chief Marketing Officer at OKX, emphasized the symbolic importance of training grounds:
"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."
Rafique further explained that OKX encourages new users to approach cryptocurrency with a learner’s mindset — much like athletes preparing for a new season. The platform's demo trading feature allows individuals to simulate real-market conditions without financial risk, mirroring how players refine their skills during pre-season drills.
Roel de Vries, Group Chief Operating Officer at City Football Group, echoed this sentiment:
"OKX and Man City are aligned on values such as innovation and success — and for both parties, everything starts with training and education."
He added that the expanded partnership will continue to focus on creating immersive experiences for fans worldwide, leveraging Manchester City’s global reach to promote responsible participation in emerging digital ecosystems.
Why Training Kit Sponsorship Matters
While front-of-shirt sponsorships often grab headlines, training kit branding offers unique advantages:
- High visibility during pre-season tours and media sessions
- Authentic connection with behind-the-scenes content
- Strong association with player development and team culture
By placing its brand on training wear, OKX positions itself not just as a sponsor, but as a supporter of growth, learning, and long-term achievement — values that resonate strongly with both sports fans and aspiring crypto traders.
👉 Learn how top-tier sports collaborations drive awareness and trust in digital finance platforms.
Educating the Next Generation of Digital Users
One of the most impactful aspects of this partnership is its educational angle. With crypto adoption still evolving, many remain curious but cautious about entering the space. Through co-branded campaigns and digital content, OKX aims to demystify blockchain technology and responsible trading practices.
For fans already engaged with cryptocurrency, the partnership provides access to expert insights, simulated trading environments, and real-time market data — all designed to build confidence and competence.
For newcomers, it offers a low-pressure entry point: learn by doing, train before you trade, and grow your understanding over time — just like a professional athlete building up to peak performance.
This educational focus aligns perfectly with modern SEO search intent around terms like crypto education, demo trading apps, responsible investing, and digital asset platforms. By integrating these concepts naturally into a high-profile sports narrative, OKX enhances both brand visibility and user trust.
Core Keywords Identified:
- crypto education
- demo trading
- Manchester City partnership
- digital asset platform
- responsible crypto trading
- sports sponsorship 2025
- OKX training kit
- fan engagement technology
These keywords have been woven organically throughout the article to support search engine discoverability while maintaining natural readability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does OKX’s sponsorship cover?
A: OKX is the Official Training Kit Partner for Manchester City’s men’s and women’s teams. Their branding appears on all training apparel used during sessions, media events, and pre-season activities.
Q: Is this the same as a main shirt sponsorship?
A: No. While OKX appears on training kits, Etihad Airways remains the front-of-shirt sponsor for matchday jerseys. Training kit sponsorships focus more on behind-the-scenes branding and long-term brand alignment.
Q: How can fans benefit from the OKX-Man City partnership?
A: Fans gain access to exclusive digital content, interactive experiences, and educational resources about cryptocurrency through joint campaigns. OKX also offers demo trading features inspired by athletic training principles.
Q: What is demo trading, and why is it important?
A: Demo trading allows users to practice buying and selling digital assets using virtual funds. It’s an essential tool for learning market dynamics without financial risk — similar to how athletes train before competition.
Q: Does OKX operate globally?
A: Yes, OKX serves users in multiple regions worldwide, offering a range of services including spot trading, derivatives, NFTs, and wallet solutions — all promoted through secure, regulated frameworks where applicable.
Q: Will this partnership continue beyond 2025?
A: While specific contract durations aren’t fully disclosed, both parties have expressed strong interest in extending their collaboration based on mutual success and shared vision.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports-Tech Collaborations
As we move deeper into 2025 and beyond, partnerships like the one between Manchester City and OKX represent a broader trend: the fusion of elite sports with cutting-edge technology. These alliances go beyond logo placement — they create ecosystems where fans don’t just watch; they learn, interact, and grow.
For digital platforms, associating with respected institutions like Manchester City builds credibility. For clubs, partnering with innovative tech brands keeps them at the forefront of fan engagement strategies in an increasingly digital world.
Whether you're a football enthusiast, a crypto beginner, or someone interested in how brands evolve in the digital era, this collaboration offers valuable insights into where entertainment, education, and technology intersect.
With continued emphasis on responsible participation, user empowerment, and experiential marketing, the OKX-Man City partnership sets a benchmark for what modern sports sponsorships can achieve — not just commercially, but socially and educationally as well.