Becoming more prevalent in sports and the world we live in today, NFTs have emerged as a hot commodity and something any professional sports organization would love to get their hands on.
Most recently, Monumental Sports and Entertainment (MSE) teamed up with the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL in announcing a brand new NFT collection. The teams will become the latest subjects for artists to use as guidance when producing NFT art.
Lawrence Atoigue and Robert Generette III are the artists involved with the new collection for the two Washington-based teams. Unfamiliar with the names? Known professionally as Naturel and Rob Zilla III, the duo are Washington natives and will be composing art in effort of connecting with the Washington D.C. fanbase. The NBA has been one of the more active leagues in associating itself with NFTs and has been successful in doing so.
Sharing their thoughts, the NBA stated “This announcement comes ahead of making the Washington sports NFTs available to the public and to educate and generate excitement for the fans ahead of the expected mid-July drop dates.
And in a first-ever move for a professional sports team, the Wizards are creating a special edition NFT within its collection which will be available free of charge for the first 500 fans through a creative marketing effort.”
About Washington Sports NFTs Launch and Collection
The NFT collections for each team are connected to one another, but present different offerings to those that are interested in buying. The Capitals’ collection features limited edition digital art containing one of the two selected themes chosen by the artist Rob Zilla III.
Both themes are outright beautiful and have the ability to spark up several conversations; exactly what the artist is hoping to accomplish. First, Zilla III explored the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup Championship and the run they put on display in that postseason. Second, he engages in what’s being called “The Screaming Eagle Collection” highlighting the Capitals longtime logo which was introduced back in 1995.
The two winners of the glorious NFTs won’t only be awarded the masterpiece of art, but some additional treats as well. The winner of the Stanley Cup-themed NFT will earn a physical championship ring, access to the team’s open practices, players’ autographs and memorabilia from the victory parade, and customized gear.
The winner of the Screaming Eagle NFT will be granted a couple of glass seat tickets to any home hame, a ride on the Zamboni during intermission, and a meet and greet with several team legends.
The Wizard’s collection is a little different, but the winner is still guaranteed a smile with all the perks that come along with the digital art. Known as the “Starting Five Collection”, the Wizards created a five-part NFT series that focuses on the diversity in their city and how they remain so powerful through it all. Each aspect of the five-part series represents one of the five starters on any basketball team.
The winner of the Wizards’ NFT collection will be granted courtside tickets, a custom portrait created by Naturel, game-worn gear, and more.
With plenty of more information on the way, make sure to stay tuned to both the Capitals and Wizards social media. D.C. residents, you’re not going to want to miss out.
