The NFL Players Association (NFLPA), along with DraftKings and OneTeam, has shared its plans to introduce gamified NFT (non-fungible token) collections.
Set to launch on DraftKings Marketplace during the 2022-2023 National Football League (NFL) season, the collaboration grants DraftKings licensing rights for active NFL players, including the authentic use of name, image and likeness.
Sean C. Sansiveri, General Counsel and Head of Business Affairs at NFL Players Inc, commented: “The NFLPA strives to be at the forefront of innovative new products, and the emerging landscape of digital entertainment that creates excitement among players and fans. We look forward to integrating NFL players into DraftKings’ NFT experience to create authentic connections for avid fans.”
The deal was facilitated by OneTeam – the NFLPA partner that is leading the organisation’s digital media business.
The partners have claimed that the eventual NFL player NFT integration will coincide with DraftKings’ existing NFL designations that include being an Official Daily Fantasy and Sports Betting Partner of the league.
“The future of fandom is unfolding in front of us, and few organizations beyond DraftKings are as equipped to capitalize on the increasing intersection between sports and NFTs that will be cornerstones of engagement and entertainment within Web3,” added Beth Beiriger, SVP of product operations for DraftKings Marketplace.
“We will continuously adapt, innovate and seek progressive collaborators like the NFLPA and OneTeam to reach early adopters among fanbases and ultimately introduce these next-generation products to the masses.”
Users will be able to use the tokens within games against others on the platform, as well as a separate buying and selling function.
The NFLPA further reported that customers can expect a variety of NFT editions and tiers that incorporate ‘different aspects of utility and digital scarcity’, which is to be powered by Polygon.
DraftKings first entered the NFT space with the launch of DraftKings Marketplace in August 2021, with a particular focus on the NFL, having partnered with Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback Tom Brady’s Autograph platform.
In October this year, DraftKings announced an agreement with Polygon to provide a scalable, eco-friendly blockchain solution that enables added throughput, lower transaction fees and expanded capabilities.
