Manchester United has taken a groundbreaking step by becoming the first to introduce player trading cards and the Fantasy United game for the 2024/25 season on the Tezos Blockchain. This initiative allows fans to collect cards featuring first-team players, build squads, and compete in a Web3 fantasy football game. The introduction of ‘Fantasy United’ includes cards of all first-team players from the men’s squad, available in Classic, Rare, and Ultra-Rare editions. Each card is hand-drawn and updates with real-time stats throughout the season, offering fans a unique experience.
The Player Trading Cards not only serve as collectibles for fans but also allow them to create a five-man squad within the Fantasy United game. This game, which is the first-ever web3 fantasy football game developed for a Premier League club using Tezos Blockchain, offers fans the opportunity to compete with friends through mini-leagues. Points are earned based on the real-life performances of Manchester United players, such as goals, assists, tackles, and saves. The launch coincides with Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Fulham on 16 August.
Devil-holders, owners of the club’s original digital collection, have early access to the Player Trading Cards, which was launched on Monday. Starting from 31 July, all fans will have the chance to collect these cards. The collaboration between Manchester United and the Tezos Ecosystem dates back to 2022, with the launch of ‘The Devils’ collection. Since the 2023/24 campaign, the club has been providing free digital collectibles to fans attending men’s and women’s home matches, with over 750,000 claimed so far.
The activations by Manchester United have successfully built a community of nearly 100,000 members inside the club’s Discord channel. Fans can interact with each other, receive notifications of new drops, and participate in live town halls and Q&As with the club. These initiatives have created a platform for fans to engage with the club and fellow supporters on a deeper level.
It is important to note that Manchester United’s officially licensed Digital Collectibles are classified as cryptoassets for use as collectible items rather than investments. This distinction sets a clear boundary for the purpose of these digital collectibles, emphasizing their value as items for collection and enjoyment rather than financial gain.
The launch of Player Trading Cards and the Fantasy United game marks a significant milestone in Manchester United’s engagement with fans and the integration of blockchain technology in sports. By offering a unique and interactive experience, the club has created a new avenue for fans to connect with their favorite team and enjoy the thrill of fantasy football.
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