BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and sustainable mobility solutions, has announced a landmark agreement to become the Official Automotive Partner of Manchester City Football Club.
This strategic alliance represents one of the most significant collaborations between a global technology leader and an iconic football institution. Built on a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, the partnership reflects BYD Group’s multi-dimensional approach to advancing future-ready technologies.
As part of the agreement, BYD will supply a range of BYD and DENZA vehicles to Manchester City. In addition, the company will integrate its new-energy expertise at the City Football Academy by providing vehicle charging infrastructure and energy-storage battery solutions. The world-class training facility is home to the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams.
BYD’s brand presence will be prominently showcased across Manchester City’s platforms. The BYD logo will appear on the training kit sleeve of the men’s first team, extending to the women’s first team from next season. The brand will also feature within the Etihad Stadium, including on the headrests in the dugout area. Furthermore, a BYD vehicle will lead the official Manchester City men’s first-team bus into the stadium for Premier League and domestic cup home fixtures.
The partnership marks another key milestone in BYD’s global football strategy, aimed at strengthening international brand awareness for its vehicles and advanced technology solutions. Previously, BYD served as an official sponsor of UEFA EURO 2024 and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025.
Commenting on the collaboration, Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, said, “Manchester City represents excellence, innovation and the courage to push beyond boundaries—values that are deeply embedded in BYD’s DNA. This partnership goes beyond football or mobility; it is about inspiring people worldwide through technology that excites, connects and drives a more sustainable future. When innovation meets passion, the impact is truly global.”
Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive Officer at City Football Group, said: “BYD are global leaders within their field. Leaders in delivering excellence through technology and innovation. Leaders with purpose, to make the world a better place. All values that Manchester City share. 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.
“This is why we are so proud to be BYD’s chosen partner and commit to work together for a better and more sustainable future for the duration of this multi-year partnership.”
Founded in 1894, Manchester City is one of the most successful clubs in football history, with 10 English league titles, seven FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League and a FIFA Club World Cup among its successes. Manchester City plays its home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, a 53,000-seat arena that the club has called home since 2003, while the club can count its global fan base in millions.
BYD started as a battery manufacturer just over 30 years ago. It made its first New Energy Vehicle (NEV), the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid, in 2008, and has since firmly established itself as the global NEV leader, with record sales of both EVs and Super Hybrid PHEVs, and a market presence in more than 110 countries and regions. It celebrated production of its 15 millionth NEV as recently as December 2025.
In 2025 BYD sold 4.6 million vehicles globally, with more than a million of them finding customers outside of China. BYD’s global headquarters are in Shenzhen, and it employs 120,000 engineers in research and development, pushing the boundaries of innovation with an average of 45 new patent applications every working day.
