FC Barcelona set to launch NFT soccer moments with Ownix

Ownix CEO Guy Elhanani revealed to Cointelegraph that the first five NFTs will be debuted by the club in a minting event at the end of November.

The FC Barcelona soccer club has partnered with Ownix to debut the launch of its nonfungible token (NFT) collection focused on enhancing the connection to its global audience.

The series will showcase historic moments from the club’s 122-year history, one that includes an illustrious trophy display of 95 domestic and international triumphs, including 26 national league and five UEFA Champions League titles, according to archive data from Wikipedia.

The digital assets will be facilitated through Ownix’s marketplace and are expected to launch in the final week of November utilizing the platform’s native ERC-20 token ONX.

Cointelegraph spoke to Guy Elhanani, CEO of Ownix, for exclusive insight into the partnership.

Cointelegraph: Will the NFT collection be immediately accessible to Barcelona’s global fan base or will, for instance, season-ticket holders and other core groups be granted early access?

“We’re opening our collection to all Barcelona fans and anyone around the world. We’re not restricting it to the fan base.”

NFTs are becoming rapidly adopted in the sporting landscape, not just for their lucrative financial appeal but also as an opportunity to engage fans and supporters around the world with more immersive and personal experiences. The likes of Dapper Labs, Sorare and Socios, to name a few, have all made considerable advancements in this nascent space, collaborating with some of the world’s top professional leagues, clubs and athletes. 

Ethereum-based NFT marketplace Sorare has recently penned partnership agreements with Spain’s top-tier soccer division, La Liga, to launch digital cards of players, as well as Germany’s corresponding league, the Bundesliga, to introduce digital moments.

The platform has reported trading volumes in excess of $170 million throughout 2021 and expects to double that figure before the year is out.

Cointelegraph: How will the assets be launched on the marketplace? In a Dutch auction, limited-edition drop, minting event, etc.?

“The first five NFTs will be launched in a minting event, which will take place within the next few weeks in FCB facilities. In the first few weeks after the launch, the platform will offer unique items as NFTs. Further down the line, limited editions and collections will also be put up for auction.”

Related: Pro sports leagues are no longer resisting NFTs: Dapper Labs

To conclude our conversion, we asked Elhanani to share his expectations for the receptiveness of Barcelona’s fans and supporters in embracing this new asset class.

He expressed high “enthusiasm” for the adoption as both parties seek to connect their relationship on a deeper level, a sentiment echoed in comments from the president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta.