The NBA Takes a Bigger Leap into Web3 with NBAxNFT

Key Insights:

• The National Basketball Association (NBA) launches NBAxNFT, the official NBA Discord.
• Taking a bigger step into Web3, NBAxNFT looks to share all things NBA basketball and Web3.
• The launch comes ahead of the Golden State Warriors playoff match against the Nuggets.

The relationship between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and digital assets has been a lucrative one.

In 2020, the NBA and Dapper Labs launched the NBA NFT marketplace Top Shot, built on the Flow (FLOW) blockchain.

With the 2022 playoffs underway, the NBA aims to expand its Web3 allegiance through fan engagement.

The NBA Launches NBAxNFT to Drive Community Engagement

This week, the NBA launched NBAxNFT, an NBA Discord to engage with NBA fans on everything Web3.

The NBA took to Twitter to announce the launch of NBAxNFT,

“Announcing the official NBA Discord: Join now to discuss all things basketball and web3!”

🏀 Welcome to @NBAxNFT 🏀 https://t.co/q8x0CFsEue

— NBA (@NBA) April 12, 2022

According to the NBAxNFT Twitter page,

“We’re showcasing all things intersecting basketball and web3, including NFTs, gaming, and the metaverse.”

🏀 Welcome to NBAxNFT 🏀

We’re showcasing all things intersecting basketball and web3, including NFTs, gaming, and the metaverse.

— NBAxNFT (@NBAxNFT) April 12, 2022

 

In addition to a Twitter account, the NBA also launched its very own Discord channel. At the time of writing, there were 36,921 members.

On the Discord channel, an introductory message stated,

“Welcome to the official discord server of the NBA, home to an always-on-discussion around NBA games, teams, players, and NFTs. Stay tuned for more as our server topics continue to grow!”

Users need to review the rules before gaining full access to the Discord channel.

Once users have verified their accounts, the NBA offers insights into what is around the corner, including an NFT project to celebrate the NBA playoffs.

NBA Discord Timed with the Golden State Warriors NFT Collection

This week, the Golden State Warriors (GSW) launched a 2022 playoff NFT collection on the FTX NFT marketplace.

According to the GSWNFT announcement,

“The Golden State Warriors 2022 Playoff NFT Collection is a limited collection of 2,999 NFTs made up of 11 unique designs, randomly assigned when minted on the Solana (SOL) blockchain via FTX. Each design has a unique level of rarity with its own utility and benefits.”

The announcement went on further to say,

“Every time the Golden State Warriors win a 2022 playoff series, your NFT will unlock additional utilities and benefits. Based on the rarity of your NFT – you could unlock anything from riding on the Warriors Championship Float, a game-worn Klay Thompson jersey from the 2021-2022 season, autographed team memorabilia, Championship Rings, additional NFTs, exclusive merchandise, and much more.”

For GSW fans,

“The Crown Jewel of the collection is the Warriors 1-of-1 Special Edition Gold Bar All Access Pass. This is the only NFT that can be purchased directly via the auction, the remaining 2,999 NFTs will be available to mint and randomly assigned. The ultimate NFT is paired with priceless utilities and once-in-a-lifetime benefits such as the ability to sign a ‘one day contract’ with the Golden State Warriors, become an ‘honorary caption’ for the day, tour the Warriors practice facility, attend a courtside shootaround and more priceless benefits!”

Later today, the Golden State Warriors take on the Nuggets in their first 2022 playoff game.