Soccer giants Manchester United are launching their first digital collectible, and Web3 community, via the Tezos blockchain.
The club’s first ever non-fungible token (NFT) will be gifted to fans with additional NFTs to be sold subsequently.
Powered by the club’s official blockchain Tezos, Manchester United’s Web3 community will educate, reward and unite its global fan base through digital and real-world experiences.
Manchester United’s CEO of Digital Products and Experiences, Phil Lynch, said: “Much like the football traditions of old, such as collecting match programmes, club badges and sticker books, fans will soon have the additional option to collect this new type of digital memorabilia.”
“The first digital collectible is being gifted to fans by a Tezos-powered platform, and with the support of Tezos Foundation we will join fans on their journey into this new world, with the club providing education and guidance along the way.”
On a mission to educate
Manchester United’s inaugural NFTs are a set of unique digital assets.
Ahead of their release, easy-to-follow tutorials, featuring the club’s men’s and women’s team, will be shared on club channels.
The tutorials represent an extensive suite of educational materials aimed at helping fans understand Web3 and the benefits of digital collectibles.
Lynch added: “Having watched the Web3 space closely and consulted with fans for their views on how this unique virtual world should operate, we’ve worked with the Tezos ecosystem teams to apply these learnings and believe that the launch of Manchester United digital collectibles is different to others, providing the option of unique and enhanced engagement opportunities to our incredible fans.”
Manchester United enter Web3
In embracing Web3 technology, Manchester United are seizing an opportunity to create more engagement with their worldwide fan base.
Utilising the immersive tools provided by Web3, the club plans to create exciting new experiences for its fans.
Indeed, fans who claim the club’s first digital collectible from the Tezos platform will own a coveted piece of United history.
Furthermore, fans who get involved now will be in a prime position to capitalize on the club’s future Web3 projects, including both gifted and purchasable NFTs to be released throughout the season.
Additionally, supporters will also be able to join the club’s new virtual world via Manchester United’s official Discord – a social platform that allows communities to come together around their favourite topics.
Mason Edwards, Chief Commercial Officer, Tezos Foundation, said: “Football means so much to so many people and Manchester United, not to mention its fans, are the titans in the sport. It is an honour to be part of the club’s first step into Web3 through the creation of digital collectibles, which the club and its followers will cherish for years to come.”
“It takes an appreciation of football and the club’s history, but also a blockchain that’s powerful, decentralised, resilient and scalable to do it. That’s Tezos.”
Manchester United on Discord
Members of the global Manchester United Web3 community will be able to engage with the club, players, legends and other like-minded fans.
Indeed, those who register interest at manutd.com/collectibles will be the first to receive an invitation and information on how to join United’s Discord community.
The official Discord channel is central to the club’s mission to help fans navigate the Web3 space.
Moreover, fans who claim a Manchester United NFT from the Tezos platform will be able to unlock access to communities on Discord.
Here, they will be able to submit creative ideas for future digital collectibles and share match days together in the new, fan-led, virtual community.
Later in the season, there will be a number of NFT drops via the club’s digital platform on the Tezos blockchain.
These additional collections will each feature a different design, all taking inspiration from the club’s history, with some unlocking further fan experiences.
In fact, the first of these drops will be priced at £30 with 20% of proceeds going to the Manchester United Foundation.
For more information, visit manutd.com/collectibles.
