Mbanq goes all in on Bradford City's Stadium and Shirt

Type: Branding - stadium naming rights partnership with Bradford City AFC, with embedded finance infrastructure ambitions built into the long-term commitment
Sport: Football / Stadium Naming Rights
Announced: May and July 2026

US banking infrastructure company Mbanq announced a landmark multi-part partnership with Bradford City AFC - starting with rear of shirt sponsorship, followed by stadium naming rights renaming iconic Valley Parade as Mbanq Valley Parade, making this one of the most comprehensive fintech club partnerships in English football's lower leagues.

• Mbanq's commitment to Bradford City arrived in two stages. First, in May 2026, the Seattle-based firm was confirmed as rear of shirt sponsor for at least three seasons from 2026/27 — the first instalment of what the club described as several announcements with their newest main partner.
• Then in July came the stadium naming rights deal, with Valley Parade becoming Mbanq Valley Parade while the historic name is retained, a deliberate signal of respect for one of English football's most storied grounds. Together the two announcements add up to one of the most comprehensive commercial partnerships Bradford City has seen in its history.

• Vlad Lounegov, CEO of Mbanq, said: "Football clubs are built on loyalty, identity and community, and Bradford City genuinely embodies all three. That is exactly why we chose this partnership. The club has authentic supporter engagement, deep local roots and ambitious leadership, which makes it the right environment for the kind of long-term infrastructure and innovation we are building in the UK. Our name on Valley Parade is both a privilege and a responsibility. We want this partnership to honour the stadium's history while creating long-term value for Bradford City, its supporters and the wider community."
• Bradford City General Manager Davide Longo added: "We are excited to confirm the first part of our transatlantic partnership, with Mbanq such a major player in their industry. I would like to thank Vlad and his team for the commitment they have already shown the club and the city of Bradford."
• Beyond the shirt and the stadium, Mbanq is establishing permanent UK operations in Bradford and West Yorkshire - building out technology, operations, and business development functions from the city and working with local institutions to position Bradford as an innovation hub for community-focused financial services.
• For a banking infrastructure company that builds the payments rails, compliance systems, and operational capabilities that enable banks and fintechs to deliver regulated products, choosing a football club as the anchor for a national market entry is an unconventional move that signals genuine long-term conviction rather than a sponsorship budget line item.