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London - Manchester City announced a long-term partnership with Tinder on Thursday as the dating app launches its first in-depth foray into the sports market.
Tinder has agreed a sponsorship deal with City's men's and women's teams, along with City Football Group sister club New York City FC, who play in Major League Soccer.
A giant air balloon carrying City and Tinder branding flew over Manchester to announce the deal and Tinder is also switching its colours across social platforms to City blue ahead of the weekend's Manchester derby.
Pep Guardiola's team, smarting from a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, could wrap up the Premier League title against bitter rivals Manchester United on Saturday.
"Football is all about a community of fans, sharing moments, emotions and passion for the sport they love," said Tom Glick, chief commercial officer of City Football Group.
"We believe this will be a perfect match for Tinder and for City," he added.
Earlier this season Tinder reportedly held discussions with rivals United about shirt sleeve sponsorship.
But "the world's most popular app for meeting new people" has linked up with City to offer users and fans exclusive access to games along with events at the Etihad Stadium.
A tweet from Tinder said: "Calling all football fans. Get ready for the #perfectmatch! Tinder has taken to the skies to say we swipe right on Manchester City FC. Join us as we kick off an exciting new partnership with @ManCity and Cityzens all over the world. It's going to be a game changer."
Tinder was launched in 2012 and is used by people in more than 190 countries, with 26 million matches made every day.
