In a groundbreaking move, Manchester United has become the first football club to introduce player trading cards and a Fantasy United game for the 2024/25 season, all powered by the Tezos Blockchain. This innovative approach aims to revolutionize the way fans engage with the sport, providing them with a unique opportunity to interact with their favorite players in a digital realm.
The Player Trading Cards feature first-team players from Manchester United’s men’s squad, with cards available in Classic, Rare, and Ultra-Rare editions. Each card is meticulously hand-drawn and is continuously updated with real-time stats throughout the season. Fans have the chance to purchase packs of seven cards for just £3 each, giving them the opportunity to collect all members of Erik ten Hag’s senior squad, including new signings like Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.
Not only can fans collect these cards, but they can also use them to build a five-man squad within the Fantasy United game. This marks the first-ever web3 fantasy football game developed for a Premier League club using Tezos technology. In Fantasy United, fans can compete with friends through mini-leagues, earning points based on the real-life performances of Manchester United players, including goals, assists, tackles, and saves. The excitement kicks off on the same day as Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Fulham on 16 August.
Devil-holders, those who own the club’s original digital collection, have an exclusive advantage when it comes to accessing Player Trading Cards. The trading cards were made available to Devil-holders starting on Monday, with all fans gaining access to the cards from 31 July. This move follows the success of previous digital collectible initiatives by Manchester United and the Tezos Ecosystem, which have cultivated a thriving community of nearly 100,000 members on the club’s Discord channel.
The Future of Fan Engagement
Director of digital innovation at Manchester United, Ronan Joyce, emphasized the significance of the Player Trading Cards in enhancing fan engagement. He stated, “Player Trading Cards allow United fans to collect the whole men’s first team squad, see those collectibles evolve throughout the season, and play those cards in an exciting fantasy football game.” This new initiative aims to bring drama and excitement to watching Manchester United both at Old Trafford and on the road.
The official announcement clarifies that Manchester United’s digital collectibles are officially licensed cryptoassets designed for use as collectible items rather than investments. This distinction underlines the club’s commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for the benefit of its fanbase, providing them with unique and immersive experiences that transcend traditional fan interactions.
Manchester United’s foray into the world of blockchain-powered player trading cards and fantasy football games represents a significant step forward in redefining fan engagement within the football industry. By embracing innovative technologies like Tezos Blockchain, the club is setting a new standard for fan interactions that could pave the way for a more immersive and engaging fan experience across the sport.
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