BYD Group Becomes Official Automotive Partner of Manchester City.

Roger Hampel

Image: Manchester City

BYD Group has become the Official Automotive Partner of Manchester City in a new multi-year agreement covering both the men’s and women’s first teams.

The partnership positions the electric vehicle manufacturer and sustainable mobility group within one of football’s most commercially advanced ecosystems, combining fleet integration, branding visibility and community activation.

Vehicle Supply and Infrastructure Integration Manchester City

Under the agreement, BYD will supply vehicles — including models from BYD and its premium brand DENZA — for club use. The company will also oversee vehicle charging infrastructure and energy-storage batteries at the City Football Academy, integrating mobility and energy systems into Manchester City’s operational facilities.

Branding Across Kit and Stadium Assets

The partnership includes prominent visibility components. BYD branding will appear on the training kit sleeve of the men’s first team immediately, with the women’s first team set to carry the branding from next season.

In-stadium exposure will include LED advertising at the Etihad Stadium, logo placement on dug-out headrests and a matchday activation in which a BYD vehicle will lead the men’s first-team bus into the stadium for Premier League and domestic cup fixtures. This multi-layer activation model combines broadcast exposure, physical branding and experiential elements.

Sustainability Alignment and Community Engagement

Both parties framed the agreement around shared commitments to innovation and sustainability. As part of the wider partnership, BYD will also support global community initiatives in collaboration with the City Football Foundation, Manchester City’s charitable arm.

Executive Comments

Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive Officer of City Football Group, described BYD as an industry leader aligned with the club’s innovation agenda:

“As a club, we are driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation. We partner with industry leaders to create a more environmentally sustainable future, starting with our facilities.”

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, highlighted the strategic ambition behind the partnership:

“This partnership is about more than football or mobility; it is about inspiring people around the world through technology that drives a more sustainable future.”

Strategic Context: EV Brands and Global Football

The agreement forms part of BYD’s broader international brand expansion strategy. The company has previously partnered with major football events, including UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025, as it builds recognition across global sports audiences.