The first ever official Manchester United NFTs will be made available to fans as the club launches a new Web3 community designed to educate, reward and unite its global fan base through digital and real-world experiences.
The initiative is powered by the Club’s official blockchain, Tezos, one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable blockchains, which will gift the initial “digital collectible” to fans, with subsequent collectibles available to purchase moving forwards.
The digital collectibles are a set of unique digital assets, commonly referred to as Non-Fungible Tokens, or NFTs. Ahead of their release, easy-to-follow tutorials featuring the club’s men’s and women’s teams will be shared on club channels – part of an extensive suite of educational materials aimed at helping fans understand Web3 and how digital collectibles can benefit match-goers and international supporters alike.
Web3 is the next iteration of the internet, underpinned by blockchain technology that allows creators, publishers, and users to take ownership of their assets across the web and opening exciting new opportunities for engagement between fans and the club.
Following Manchester United’s selection of Tezos as its official blockchain, the announcement represents the next step in developing compelling new fan experiences through Web3 technology. Fans who claim the gifted digital collectible from the Tezos platform will “own a coveted piece of United history, joining the club on its journey into Web3,” with future plans for both gifted and purchasable NFTs to be released throughout the season.
Supporters will also be able to join the club’s new virtual world via Manchester United’s official Discord – a social platform that allows communities to come together around their favourite topics, and which will be central to Utd’s efforts to help fans navigate the new Web3 space.
Members of this global community will be able to engage with the club, players, legends and other fans. Fans who register interest at manutd.com/collectibles will be the first to receive an invitation and information on how to join United’s Discord community.
A number of subsequent digital collectibles will be available for purchase later in the season via the digital platform on the Tezos blockchain. These additional collections will each feature a different design, all taking inspiration from the club’s history, with some unlocking further fan experiences. The first of these drops will be priced at £30 with 20 per cent of proceeds going to Manchester United Foundation.
Manchester United’s CEO of digital products and experiences, Phil Lynch, said: “Much like the football traditions of old, such as collecting match programmes, club badges and sticker books, fans will soon have the additional option to collect this new type of digital memorabilia. The first digital collectible is being gifted to fans by a Tezos-powered platform, and with the support of Tezos Foundation we will join fans on their journey into this new world, with the club providing education and guidance along the way.”
