What Will BYD Get from its Deal With Manchester City?

BYD, the world's leading manufacturer of EVs, has announced an agreement to be the Official Automotive Partner of Manchester City Football Club.

The partnership will see the global technology company and the iconic football brand working together on their "shared vision for a more sustainable future".

BYD says the agreement's "360-degree approach reflects BYD Group's multi-faceted innovation".

What does the deal mean?

As well as supplying BYD and DENZA cars and other vehicles to Manchester City, BYD Group will bring its new-energy expertise through vehicle charging and energy-storage batteries at City Football Academy, the training and development facility home to the club's men’s, women’s and academy teams.

BYD's branding now features on the training-kit sleeve of the men’s first team and from next season the women’s first team.

The brand’s logo will feature on the headrests of the dug-out area at the club's home ground, Etihad Stadium, while one of the company’s cars will lead the official Manchester City men’s first team bus into the stadium for Premier League and domestic-cup home fixtures.

The partnership is the latest step in BYD's strategy to establish a presence in international football to enhance awareness of its brand, cars and other technology products. The company has previously been the official sponsor of the UEFA EURO 2024 and UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025.

BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said: "Manchester City stands for excellence, innovation and the courage to push beyond limits – values that are deeply rooted in BYD’s DNA.

"This partnership is about more than football or mobility; it is about inspiring people around the world through technology that excites, connects and drives a more sustainable future. When innovation meets passion, the impact is truly global.”

Excellence through tech and innovation

Ferran Soriano, CEO 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.”

Behind the businesses

Founded in 1894, Manchester City are 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 their successes.

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 established itself as the global NEV leader, with record sales of EVs and Super Hybrid PHEVs and a market presence in more than 110 countries and regions.

It celebrated production of its 15 millionth NEV in December 2025.

In 2025 BYD sold 4.6 million vehicles globally, including more than a million outside of China.