Premier League champions Manchester City have announced Nissan as their new official automotive sponsor.
The five-year deal was announced on Thursday at Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, and is reported to be worth UK£20 million (US$34.2 million).
The agreement sees Nissan become the first global partner of City Football Group (CFG), a network which includes Man City, City Women’s FC, New York City FC, Melbourne City FC and the Nissan majority-owned J-League side Yokohama F. Marinos, in whom CFG acquired a minority stake in May.
The new partnership will see the Japanese car manufacturer enjoy a strong branding presence at City’s Etihad Stadium, as well as on the club’s online platforms.
Nissan will be involved with a number of fan engagement opportunities, whilst its electric vehicles will be used in and around The Citizens’ new football academy, which is opening later this year.
Additionally, the Nissan logo will feature on the back of City Women’s first team shirts, as the company becomes the side’s official lead partner.
Khaldoon al Mubarak, the chairman of CFG, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Nissan as CFG’s first group-wide global partner. Nissan is a leader in innovation and sustainability; values which are also at the heart of our own organisation.
“Through our investment in, and support of, the Yokohama F·Marinos it has become very clear that Nissan and CFG also share a common passion and ambition for further growth and development.”
Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s president and chief executive, added: “Nissan has always been immensely proud of its place in Yokohama F·Marinos history and is now privileged to be part of the story of CFG and their network of fantastic global football teams.
“This innovative partnership enhances Nissan’s investment in the game of soccer which is a key platform to further strengthen our brand globally.”