3 mins readLaLiga, Spain's top soccer league, partners with GameOn. This gaming startup helps make fantasy sports games. They use NFTs for North American fans.
The deal involves creating apps. Fans buy packs of LaLiga players as NFTs. They make fantasy lineups. Players perform on real fields in Spain. Fans get points for their fantasy teams. Fans can buy digital gear as NFTs too. These items are for their digital players. Items like cleats, jerseys, and hats. It boosts scores for fantasy points.
LaLiga, Blockchain, and the Beautiful Game
LaLiga games with GameOn will start in 2024. U.S. and Canadian fans can play. Apps have social features. Fans can chat and manage teams. They can even join contests and win prizes. Prizes like money, VIP tickets, signed merch, and meet-and-greets.
Games focus on two LaLiga divisions. LaLiga Santander is the first division. It has famous clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. LaLiga Smartbank is the second division. These clubs aim for a higher level.
GameOn CEO Matt Bailey talks about this project. He is excited to enter the North American market. He believes Web3 games don't need lots of users. Just 1,000 to 2,000 engaged users can make a successful game.
NFT fantasy games are popular. LaLiga signed an 8-year deal with ESPN in 2021. This deal is for broadcasting matches in the U.S. Top Spanish clubs like Barcelona went to the U.S. last summer. It made LaLiga more popular in the country.
A Respected Gaming Company Steps Into Web3
GameOn isn't new to gaming. They made trivia and predictions games before. Their big clients were WNBA, Dick's Sporting Goods, and NBCUniversal. But now, they're exploring NFT-based gaming. They work with MMA league PFL and Karate Combat.
GameOn CEO, Bailey, talks about why they're doing this. They are experienced game creators. They believe Web3 is fantastic. It's great for providing ownership and rewards. It can even offer interoperability to fans. "Gen Z fans are not just watchers," said Bailey. "They want to engage. They want to own, play, and influence content. Plus, they love rewards. That's why we love Web3."
GameOn aims to be neutral with NFT games. They've already made some on Polygon and Hedera. They want to create a token. It'll tie together game ecosystems across sports leagues.
The gaming startup got funding. Supporters include Polygon Studios, Dapper Labs, and Hedera. They scored $1.8 million in a seed round this year. Dapper Labs led the round. Dapper Labs is behind popular NFT platforms NBA Top Shot and NFL All Day.
Final Thoughts
LaLiga will promote new NFT fantasy games from GameOn. They'll use in-stadium assets, fan events, and digital content. Bailey sees their product as a complement. It works well with LaLiga's other NFT projects. Deals like ones with Dapper Labs and fantasy soccer game, Sorare.
Bailey adds more about the project. He believes the league would have many Web3 and NFT partners. "NFTs and Web3 are right for many fan experiences," said Bailey. "Games, key moments, tickets, merchandise – all can benefit. It's not a one-stop-shop situation."
Bailey feels the NFT space is maturing. It's not about quick cash anymore. "Leagues are being careful now," said Bailey. "The bubble's burst a bit."
GameOn now partners with a famous soccer league – LaLiga. They're set to launch LaLiga NFT fantasy games next year. The meeting of the beautiful game and blockchain is indeed big.
