Asian football’s first NFT to launch in October, HKPL side RCFC and OliveX announce
- Winning bidders will get access to matches and even chance to train with the team as part of promotion, OliveX and club announce
- ‘With Messi taking crypto as part of his pay at PSG and record-breaking deals for NBA Top Shots, it’s time for Asian clubs to follow suit’
An auction of the NFTs will take place at some point in October, on a Chinese-language website dedicated to Hong Kong football club NFTs and on global marketplace OpenSea.
“This is a big day in Asia’s sporting history, both for the fans and for RCFC. Football clubs are always looking for ways to excite their fans and build their loyalty, especially in the new Covid world,” said OliveX CEO Keith Rumjahn.
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The CEO referenced the deal with Lionel Messi and his new club Paris St Germain, which has seen the Argentine superstar take cryptocurrency from club sponsor Socios as part of his pay package, and the success of the video-based NBA Top Shots NFTs.
“As the NFT sports wave continues to gain momentum, with Messi taking crypto as part of his pay at PSG and record-breaking deals for NBA Top Shots, it’s time for Asian clubs to offer their fans the opportunity to take part in this exciting trend,” Rumjahn said.
Hong Kong’s RCFC to be first Asian football team with NFT
“I think our initiative will be closely watched by other sports clubs around Asia, not just football clubs, and we’re aiming to be one of the leading creators of sporting NFT collectibles across the region.”
The NFTs have been incentivised with real-world promotions, with the successful bidder on RCFC club captain Lam Chun-kit’s “Legendary Card” also earning free entry to a year’s RCFC matches. Another promotion promises the chance to train with the RCFC team.
“The whole team is excited about being the first Asian club to launch NFTs,” Lam said. “We all remember collecting physical cards when we were young, now people can collect NFTs, share and trade them. This is going to be hugely popular with Asian football fans.”
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Lam’s comments were echoed by RCFC chairman Harry Tang
“Our RCFC NFTs will offer the Hong Kong community a meaningful and brand-new way for them to support their local sports team and extend their allegiance to the club into their digital lives,” Tang said. “They’ll also deliver on fans’ desire to own a unique piece of the club and its history.”
Founded in 2016, RCFC were promoted to the Hong Kong Premier League ahead of last season. They are one of eight teams committed to playing in the top flight this season.
Animoca, the founding company of OliveX have previously announced NFT deals with Manchester City, Melbourne City and QPR.
