Bradford City AFC Announces Mbanq Valley Parade Partnership for 2026/27 Season

Bradford City AFC has exciting news for football fans as it announces a new partnership with Mbanq, a banking technology company based in Seattle. This partnership means that the club's iconic home ground, Valley Parade, will be renamed ‘Mbanq Valley Parade’ for at least the next three seasons. This change will take effect during the pre-season, just in time for the start of the 2026/27 campaign, marking a new chapter in the stadium's long history.

Partnership Details

The partnership between Bradford City AFC and Mbanq is about more than just a name change; it reflects a strong commitment to the city of Bradford and its football community. Davide Longo, the general manager of Bradford City, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to confirm Mbanq as our new stadium naming rights partner, as a major segment of their long-term commitment to our football club and city.”

This collaboration aligns with Mbanq’s vision of creating value not just for the club but also for the local community. Longo highlighted the importance of working with businesses that share the club's values and understand the history of Bradford, saying, “It is important to work with businesses who not only align with our core values, but also understand our great city, and Mbanq do just that.”

Why Bradford?

Mbanq's CEO, Vlad Lounegov, shared insights into why the company chose to partner with Bradford City. “We chose Bradford because this is a true football city. The club sits at the heart of the community, its supporters show extraordinary loyalty, and the leadership shares our belief that innovation should strengthen tradition rather than replace it,” Lounegov explained.

The decision to make Bradford the home of Mbanq's UK operations is also a testament to the city's rich football culture. Over the past few years, Mbanq has explored various football clubs across Europe, recognising that they represent unique communities that have been built over generations. Lounegov emphasised, “Having our name on Valley Parade is both a privilege and a responsibility,” highlighting the historic nature of the stadium.

Honouring Tradition

The new name, Mbanq Valley Parade, is intended to honour the stadium's heritage while also ushering in a modern era for the club. Lounegov stated, “We want this partnership to honour that heritage rather than replace it.” This commitment to preserving the club's history while looking towards the future is something that resonates deeply with fans and the local community alike.

Football fans in Bradford and beyond can look forward to seeing the new name in action as the club prepares for its upcoming pre-season matches. The rebranding of the stadium is seen as a significant step forward for Bradford City, with both the club and Mbanq excited about the potential for growth and community engagement.

The Future Looks Bright

The partnership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Bradford City AFC, with both parties eager to work together to benefit the club and its supporters. Longo expressed optimism about the future, stating, “The future looks bright between the club and Mbanq, as we mark another significant day for Bradford City.”

This collaboration not only enhances the club's profile but also strengthens the relationship between Mbanq and the local community. As the Bantams prepare for their next season, the excitement among fans is palpable, and the new name on the stadium will be a constant reminder of this promising partnership.

Community Commitment

Mbanq Valley Parade is more than just a new name; it represents a commitment to the people of Bradford. Lounegov remarked, “Mbanq Valley Parade represents much more than stadium naming rights. It is a public commitment to Bradford, its football club and its community.” This sentiment is likely to resonate with fans, who will appreciate the dedication to enhancing their beloved club.

As the Bantams gear up for the 2026/27 season, the excitement surrounding the new naming rights partnership is a reminder of the strong bond between a football club and its community. The partnership with Mbanq signals a bright future for Bradford City, promising to bring innovation while respecting the club's storied past.