Mbanq Partnership Is a Game-Changer for Bradford City

Some news is big, and some news is a proper game-changer. For Bradford City AFC, an announcement made on 4th February 2026 falls squarely in the game-changer category. The club has just secured a massive, record-breaking partnership with a major American technology company.

But this isn't just about putting a new name on the shirts; it’s a transatlantic deal that’s set to bring a global business right into the heart of Bradford. The club, affectionately known as the Bantams, has teamed up with US fintech specialists Mbanq for a huge three-year partnership that promises to be a landmark deal for everyone involved.

A record-breaking deal across the pond

Let's break down what's actually happening here. Bradford City AFC has officially entered into a three-year partnership with Mbanq. And it’s not just any old deal; it's being described as a record-breaking agreement for the club. This is a pretty big statement and shows the scale of what’s been achieved. The partner in this landmark deal, Mbanq, is a big player in the world of banking technology. Think of all the complicated stuff that needs to happen behind the scenes for you to use a banking app or pay for something with your card. Mbanq builds the high-tech 'plumbing' that makes it all work. This Seattle-based company is a global provider of what's called regulated banking infrastructure, which is a fancy way of saying they provide the essential, officially approved tech for financial services. This transatlantic deal connects the West Yorkshire club with a major Washington firm, showing the ambition of the Bantams on a global scale.

More than just a name on a shirt

So, why is this more exciting than a typical sponsorship? Because as part of this amazing partnership, Mbanq is setting up its UK operations right here in Bradford. That’s right, a fast-growing, Seattle-based tech company has chosen this city as its British home. This is huge news for the local area, promising investment and new opportunities.

Since being founded in 2016, Mbanq has become a global provider, helping companies across America, Europe, and Asia with its specialist banking technology. For them to choose Bradford for their UK operations says a lot about the city and the club. This isn't just a business transaction; it feels like the start of a proper relationship between a club with deep community roots and a forward-thinking US fintech company. The partnership is a major step forward for Bradford City AFC, connecting the club directly with a successful global business.

What the bosses are saying

The people in charge are clearly buzzing about this new partnership. The club's leadership and the company's chief executive officer have both spoken about their excitement for this three-year journey. It's clear from their words that this is a deal built on shared values and long-term goals.

Bradford City general manager, Davide Longo, had this to say:

We are incredibly proud to have agreed a substantial partnership with Mbanq, which signifies a major milestone for our club. Bradford City continues to go from strength to strength, both on and off the pitch. A transatlantic deal of this magnitude, with a huge and rapidly developing organisation, is a clear indicator of where we are heading. The team at Mbanq has been a pleasure to work with from the outset. Its commitment to the club, the city and the local community has been clear, and there are some genuinely exciting projects ahead. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Vlad Lounegov and his wonderful colleagues for showcasing such passion for Bradford City. We are excited for the coming years and look forward to watching the partnership grow.

Over at Mbanq, the feeling is mutual. Vlad Lounegov, the Mbanq chief executive officer, explained why the Washington firm was so drawn to the Bantams.

Bradford City AFC is a club with real history, deep community roots and a supporter base that genuinely matters to the city. That combination is rare. From our first conversations, it was clear this was not about branding or short-term exposure, but about building something practical and lasting together. We are proud to be partnering with Bradford City and to be making Bradford our home as we relocate and expand our UK operations.

Building on community roots

It’s that phrase from Vlad Lounegov, "deep community roots", that really stands out. This isn't a case of a company just picking a name out of a hat. The team at Mbanq looked at Bradford City AFC and saw a club with real history and an unbreakable bond with its supporter base. That's something special. It shows that this record-breaking partnership is about more than just numbers; it’s about people and place.

The decision for a US fintech specialist to establish its UK operations here is a massive vote of confidence in the city of Bradford. The partnership aims to build something lasting, suggesting that Mbanq is here to become a real part of the local community. For a club that prides itself on its strong community roots, finding a partner that shares those values is a massive win.

What this means for the future

This landmark deal is set for the next three years, and it points towards a very exciting future for the Bantams. Having a major player from the world of banking technology on board is a huge boost. The investment and expertise that a company like Mbanq brings could have a massive impact, both on and off the pitch.

The press release mentioned that more announcements about this incredible partnership will be coming soon, so everyone will be watching this space closely. For now, what is clear is that this is a statement of intent from Bradford City AFC. This record-breaking, transatlantic deal with a leading US fintech firm shows the club is thinking big. The future looks bright for the city and for its beloved football club. This partnership isn’t just a headline; it's the foundation for something genuinely special.