- Manchester United has launched Player Trading Cards using the Tezos blockchain.
- The cards include all first-team players in Classic, Rare, and Ultra-Rare editions.
- Cards are dynamically updated with real-time stats and can be used in a Web3 fantasy football game.
- Early access was given to “Devil” holders, with public availability starting today.
- Packs of seven cards are sold for £3, featuring new and existing players.
Manchester United has officially entered the world of digital collectibles and fantasy football by launching Player Trading Cards, powered by the Tezos blockchain.
This initiative aims to boost fan engagement through the offering of unique, hand-drawn cards that update with real-time statistics. The cards feature the entire first-team men’s squad, including new summer signings Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.
Players are available in Classic, Rare, and Ultra-Rare editions, making the collecting experience richer and more competitive. These collectibles are not just static images.
They evolve throughout the season based on real-life performances, providing an immersive experience for the fans. From goals to saves, every action a player takes on the field will reflect in the digital card, making it a dynamic piece of memorabilia.
Fantasy United: An Interactive Experience
Manchester United fans can go beyond just collecting cards. The new Web3 fantasy football game, Fantasy United, enables supporters to build a five-man squad from their trading cards.
Points are earned based on the real-life performances of the Manchester United players. Actions like goals, assists, tackles, and saves contribute to the points tally, making the game both exciting and strategic.
Fantasy United is exclusive to “Devil” holders initially, but it will soon be accessible to all fans.
The game allows users to compete in mini-leagues against friends, and even against former Manchester United legends. This makes the experience not just about collecting, but also about showcasing one’s managerial prowess.
Building a Community
Since launching their initial digital collection, ‘The Devils,’ in 2022, Manchester United has seen immense success with blockchain initiatives.
The original collection featured 7,777 unique characters inspired by the club’s history and sold out in a few days.
The club’s innovative approach has led to a growing community of nearly 100,000 members on its Discord channel. This platform enables fans to interact, stay updated on new releases, and participate in live Q&A sessions with club officials.
Ronan Joyce, the director of digital innovation at Manchester United, emphasizes that this is a club-first initiative that combines the joy of collecting with the thrill of fantasy football. Sunil Singhvi from Trilitech, Tezos’ R&D hub, adds that this project represents a deeper connection between fans and their favorite club through dynamically updating collectibles.
A Win-Win for Fans and the Club
The move to incorporate blockchain technology into fan engagement strategies is a win-win for both the club and its supporters. Fans get a closer connection to their team and players, while the club can explore new revenue streams and engagement metrics.
This initiative also aligns with the increasing interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies, making it a timely venture.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s venture into digital collectibles and Web3 fantasy football, powered by the Tezos blockchain, is a groundbreaking effort to enhance fan engagement.
By offering dynamically updating Player Trading Cards and an interactive fantasy football platform, the club is setting a new standard for how sports teams can leverage technology to connect with their supporters.
This initiative not only brings fans closer to the game but also opens up new avenues for community and interaction, making it a significant move in the digital age.
