BYD signed a sponsorship deal with Manchester City, taking over from Nissan as the English football club’s official automotive partner and sponsor.
The Chinese giant, which surpassed Tesla in 2025 to become the world’s largest EV maker by sales, will supply vehicles from its BYD and Denza brands to the Premier League leaders.
Manchester City said on Wednesday that the company will also install charging infrastructure and energy-storage batteries at its training facility.
Arsenal, which currently leads the Premier League, signed in 2024 a similar multi-year deal with the Chinese automaker MG.
The number of vehicles provided by BYD and Denza, the contract duration, and financial terms were not disclosed.
BYD branding will appear on the men’s first team training kit sleeve immediately, with the women’s team following next season.
The company will also have LED advertising at Etihad Stadium and its logo on dugout headrests, while a BYD vehicle will escort the team bus into the stadium for home matches.
“As part of the wider agreement, BYD will also support future global community initiatives, working closely with City Football Foundation,” the club said.
Nissan‘s partnership with Manchester City ended in late 2025 after the Japanese automaker extended its deal for the second time in 2021.
Manager Pep Guardiola had served as a Nissan ambassador since 2019.
European Football Push
The deal deepens BYD‘s investment in European football as the company seeks to expand its presence in Western markets.
The company was also the official sponsor of UEFA Euro 2024 — replacing Volkswagen — and of UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025.
BYD signed a three-year partnership with Inter Milan in July, supplying around 70 vehicles to the Italian club.
Other Chinese automakers have pursued similar strategies.
Geely-backed Polestar became the official mobility partner of Borussia Dortmund for the current season, while Chery‘s Jaecoo and Omoda brands signed a deal with the Israeli Professional Football Leagues last year.
In China, Nio‘s sub-brand Onvo partnered with Shanghai Shenhua FC last month, providing vehicles for the 2026 Chinese Super League season.
