Digital NFTs are the gambling of the future, and one sportsbook is leading the charge.
DraftKings Sportsbook is offering players a new way to wager on their favorite athlete with the DraftKings Marketplace.
Navigating the DraftKings Marketplace
What began as a small platform featuring a handful of different athletes has now evolved into a budding new project for the brand. You can find the Marketplace tab on the DraftKings website, directly beside the Daily Fantasy, Sportsbook and Casino tabs.
Autograph, a brand co-founded by Tom Brady, was the first NFT supplier to join the Marketplace. Since launch, the company has introduced a range of digital collectibles featuring some of the world’s most iconic athletes, including:
- James Harden
- Rob Gronkowski
- Tom Brady
- Tony Hawk
- Naomi Osaka
- Simone Biles
- Derek Jeter
- Usaine Bolt
Most recently, Metabilia entered the Marketplace, catering to MLB fans with limited-edition releases of some of baseball’s biggest current names. Vladimir Guererro Jr. was the first featured, followed by Ronald Acuña Jr. Four more players will soon join that list:
- Shane Bieber
- Wander Franco
- Joe Musgrove
- Fernando Tatís Jr.
Unlike Autograph, a Metabilia NFT offers additional utility by gifting its owner with surprise player-related drops all season long. For instance, Vlad NFT holders have already been rewarded with two exclusive NFTs commemorating his various career achievements.
DraftKings Primetime NFT Series
DraftKings has also entered the Marketplace with its own unique line of NFTs called the DraftKings Primetime NFT Series. Much like Metabilia, the benefits don’t end at the NFT. TourneyToons collectors received special perks this past March Madness. Those that completed the entire collection received an exclusive NFT and early access to future Primetime releases.
In honor of the NBA Playoffs, DraftKings has now launched Court Vision: The 2022 Basketball Playoffs Collection. The series currently consists of three releases, each with a unique design and function. Those holding the NFT on June 1 at 4 p.m. ET will receive an additional unique perk, such as access to a $12.5K Private DFS Contest or an exclusive DraftKings hoodie and a collectible print.
Choosing your first DraftKings Marketplace NFT
There are two ways to go about purchasing your first NFT: either buy with your head, or buy with your heart. The former might lead you to a happier wallet, but who’s to say which one might afford you more joy?
When researching a new NFT to purchase, there are a few things to make note of. You’ll want to take into account the total edition number of that particular mint. For instance, an NFT edition numbered to 850 is likely going to be more of a commodity than one numbered to 2,500.
Next, you’ll want to check the current floor price — the lowest listed price for a particular NFT. But keep in mind: just because it’s the one listed for the lowest price doesn’t mean it holds the best value. Typically, the lower the number an NFT carries within an edition, the higher its value. That means, for example, an NFT with a mint number 005/300 that costs $30 may ultimately be more valuable than a 273/300 mint of the same NFT priced at $25.
These factors can all fluctuate, of course, based on a variety of circumstances. If the NFT has to do with a current athlete, movement is often more volatile. Poor player performance or a season-ending injury can result in decreased market value. On the flip side, a top-ranked athlete that’s having a rough run could very well offer the opportunity to snag a valuable investment before he or she returns to victory.
More brands entering the digital NFT space
DraftKings isn’t the first brand to explore athlete NFTs. There were companies to come before them, and a handful of others have entered since.
NBA Top Shot became one of the first names in the space, launching in October 2020. The site offers officially licensed NFT packs and NBA moments that can be sold, purchased and traded on the Top Shot Marketplace. The next drop takes place June 7 featuring Magic Johnson’s greatest Moments.
When it comes to baseball, two options exist in addition to Metabilia NFTs. Topps debuted a new NFT website specifically for 2022 Series 2 digital baseball cards. And most recently, the MLB has partnered with Candy to launch its own official collection of daily “Play of the Day” and “MLB Stadium Series” releases that coincide with real-time player achievements.
Thanks to these new brands, sports fans can now invest in the future by celebrating some of the biggest moments of the past.