KATHMANDU: Chinese EV giant BYD has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Manchester City, replacing Nissan as the club’s Official Automotive Partner.
The club has not officially disclosed the financial terms or the number of vehicles included in the agreement. However, reports suggest the deal is valued at over £5 million per year, further strengthening Manchester City’s commercial portfolio.
Under the agreement, BYD will supply vehicles from its BYD and Denza brands to Manchester City’s men’s and women’s first teams. The company will also install EV charging infrastructure and energy-storage battery systems at the City Football Academy, supporting the club’s long-term sustainability goals.
BYD branding will appear immediately on the men’s first team training kit sleeve, with the women’s team to follow from next season. The company will also gain LED advertising space at the Etihad Stadium.
Its logo will feature on dugout headrests, and a BYD vehicle will lead the team bus into the stadium during Premier League and domestic cup home fixtures.
In addition, BYD will collaborate with the City Football Foundation on global community initiatives.
City Football Group CEO Ferran Soriano stated that the partnership reflects shared values of innovation, sustainability, and technological excellence. He emphasized the club’s commitment to working with industry leaders to create environmentally responsible facilities and operations.
Nissan’s partnership with Manchester City concluded in late 2025. The Japanese automaker had renewed its deal in 2021, and manager Pep Guardiola previously served as a Nissan ambassador.
The latest agreement highlights BYD’s growing footprint in European football. The company surpassed Tesla in 2025 to become the world’s largest EV maker by sales. It was also the official sponsor of UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025.
In July, BYD signed a three-year partnership with Inter Milan, supplying around 70 vehicles to the Italian club. Other Chinese automakers are pursuing similar strategies.
Geely-backed Polestar partnered with Borussia Dortmund this season, while Chery’s Jaecoo and Omoda brands signed agreements with the Israeli Professional Football Leagues. In China, Nio’s sub-brand Onvo partnered with Shanghai Shenhua FC for the 2026 Chinese Super League season.
