These top European football clubs joined the NFT, the Metaverse game in 2022
The crypto-football crossover isn’t new. Fan tokens have been in the space for a while, connecting the intersectional community together. So, as NFT and metaverse spaces gradually took shape, the herd began to try and test the same.
NFTs, in turn, help keep iconic battle moments evergreen. In addition, they give collectors access to a bunch of membership benefits. The same usually ranges from voting on club decisions, rewards and merchandise designs to taking advantage of other unique experiences.
Now, a few hours ago, AC Milan announced their partnership with Sorare, officially entering the latter’s NFT-based fantasy football game. Sorare, in turn, will make it easier for players to buy, sell, trade and manage a virtual team of digital player cards. The game is based on blockchain technology and it is based on Ethereum. The official update released read,
“Starting from the 2022-23 season, over 2 million registered users will be able to collect, trade and play with AC Milan digital cards, further strengthening the connection between the international Rossoneri fans and the club they love in the digital world. .”
The new partnership is a significant development for AC Milan in its “broader Web 3.0 strategy.” According to the announcement, the club is moving further into the NFT world by collaborating with experts to create unique digital experiences for its fans. The same is also intended to give them extra access, and ownership and bring them even closer to their club.
Well, AC Milan isn’t the only club in the NFT/metaverse space. A bunch of others already exist in the space and in this article we will discuss the same.
List of clubs that are already in the NFT and metaverse area
Liverpool
The LFC Heroes Club is an NFT collection of NFTs that opens doors for LFC fans to become more involved in the game by giving them digital assets and access to a larger community. Designed in conjunction with Sotheby’s, it aims to enhance both online and offline fan experiences
Each of the 24 members of the men’s team is represented by an NFT collector’s item. Some aspects of their appearance are generated by an algorithm to create distinctive looks. Members of this collection have access to a community forum, LFC experiences, virtual collections, contests and discounts on LFC merchandise, among other things.
Manchester City
Earlier this year it was revealed that Manchester City and their new partner Sony had started building a virtual replica of the Etihad Stadium. The same is set to be the team’s central hub in the metaverse.
After the stadium is built, fans around the world will be able to visit Manchester City FC’s Etihad Stadium via their digital avatars. The collaboration is expected to last three years. And Sony, for its part, hopes to establish a presence in areas where it believes consumers will eventually jump on board in large numbers.
Barcelona
Recently, Barcelona president Joan Laporta revealed the club’s plans to create its own crypto, NFTs and metaverse to “survive” amid the competition. Then he said,
“In recent times, there has been a lot of attention to blockchain products and services such as NFTs and metaverse… We should be able to offer digital products to our members, our fans that will match the value of the club and generate a very interesting emotional experience. “
Now, in the latest development, the club is planning to launch its first NFT soon. In a recently released statement, it was revealed that Barca, in collaboration with BCN Visuals, have produced a “Hollywood-worthy audiovisual digital art NFT.” So does VIP experience benefits that “aesthetically recreate the moment of Johan Cruyff’s legendary flying kick and goal from 1973.” Alongside the aforementioned animated NFT, four more NFTs depicting a still from the 1973 goal will be auctioned. Bidding starts on July 29.
Paris Saint Germain
Lionel Messi’s transfer from FC Barcelona to PSG was quite historic. The latter paid a one-off bonus of one million euros to Messi in the form of PSG fan tokens. Well, the club didn’t stop there.
Back in March, it was discovered that PSG also had intentions of entering the NFT and metaverse industry. It had done so by filing trademark applications that covered a bunch of facets. The same included crypto media; NFT supported multimedia; virtual clothing, sports equipment and electronics, among others.
Other clubs such as Birmingham and Juventus also have their feet immersed in the NFT metaverse space. Now, with growing popularity, and the areas becoming mainstream, more clubs can be expected to jump on the bandwagon going forward.
