Automaker Expands Global Soccer Platform With Trio Of Deals

City Football Group, the entity overseeing sponsorships for Manchester City FC, New York City FC and Melbourne City FC has announced that Nissan will be the organization's first global partner. The 5-year deal will see the Japanese automaker become a partner of each club in the three team football network.

“This innovative partnership enhances Nissan’s investment in the game of soccer which is a key platform to further strengthen our brand globally," said Carlos Ghosn, Nissan President and CEO. "Additionally, the value in kind deal will see Nissan introduce the world’s best-selling electric vehicle to the world’s fastest growing football team, an example of how the collaboration will pair innovation with innovation to bring the excitement of Nissan and soccer to customers around the world.”

The deal comes on the heels of Nissan's largest sponsorship announcement to date, a four-year global partnership with the UEFA Champions League including the UEFA Super Cup. It's all part of multi-year marketing strategy to overhaul the brand's sponsorship investments to appeal to more mainstream, global audiences.