Manchester United has made a groundbreaking move by being the first to introduce player trading cards and the Fantasy United game for the upcoming season on the Tezos Blockchain. This initiative allows fans to collect cards featuring first-team players, build squads, and participate in a Web3 fantasy football game.
‘Fantasy United’ comprises cards of all first-team players from the men’s squad, offered in Classic, Rare, and Ultra-Rare editions. Each card is meticulously hand-drawn and will update with real-time statistics throughout the season. Fans have the option to purchase these cards in packs of seven for £3 each, providing an opportunity to gather all members of Erik ten Hag’s senior squad, including new signings Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.
Not only can fans collect the cards, but they can also bring to life a five-man squad within the Fantasy United game by housing Player Trading Cards. This game is the first-ever web3 fantasy football game developed for a Premier League club using Tezos. Fans will have the ability to compete with friends through mini-leagues, accumulating points based on the real-life performances of Manchester United players such as goals, assists, tackles, and saves.
The launch of these initiatives coincides with Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Fulham on 16 August. Throughout the season, fans can expect to receive tips on the most selected players and strategies from United legends and fantasy football experts. Additionally, fans may have the opportunity to compete directly against former Manchester United players in the Legends leagues.
Devil-holders, those who own the club’s original digital collection, were given early access to Player Trading Cards starting on Monday. However, starting from 31 July, all fans will have the opportunity to collect the cards. The collaboration between Manchester United and the Tezos Ecosystem has been fruitful, with the introduction of ‘The Devils’ collection in 2022 selling out in record time. The activations have helped build a community of nearly 100,000 members within the club’s Discord channel.
Ronan Joyce, the director of digital innovation at Manchester United, emphasized the significance of Player Trading Cards in enhancing the fan experience. He stated that these cards allow fans to collect the entire men’s first team squad, witness the evolution of collectibles throughout the season, and participate in an exciting fantasy football game. Joyce expressed that this initiative adds drama and excitement to watching Manchester United matches both at Old Trafford and away.
It is important to note that Manchester United’s officially licensed Digital Collectibles are regarded as cryptoassets for collectible purposes rather than investments. This distinction ensures that fans understand the nature of these items within the context of the digital world.
The introduction of Player Trading Cards and the Fantasy United game on the Tezos Blockchain marks a significant development in fan engagement and digital innovation within football clubs. Manchester United’s pioneering efforts in embracing Web3 technologies demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to enhancing the fan experience and creating new avenues for interaction and excitement.
Leave a Reply