UFC and DraftKings announced plans to launch a new iteration of DraftKings’ “Reignmakers” gamified digital collectibles franchise focused on UFC. Reignmakers UFC will allow fans to build collections of their favorite UFC fighters and utilize them in games to compete for prizes. The first season of Reignmakers UFC NFT-based games is expected to go live later this year.

Ahead of the launch of the game, fans can soon begin collecting the initial NFTs of fighters via auctions and drops in DraftKings’ “Heatwave Series,” which will be based around this summer’s UFC events schedule, beginning with UFC 276: ADESANYA vs. CANNONIER on July 2.

Collectors will receive rewards both leading into and following the game rollout based on the utility of the NFT which could include entries into special daily fantasy contests for cash, custom merchandise, and more. Under the new agreement with UFC, DraftKings Marketplace will have access to fighter IP from over 500 different athletes on the active UFC roster from which to choose to create the Reignmakers UFC collection.

“UFC has been a tremendous collaborator over the years, and we are delighted for the organization to represent our latest installment within DraftKings’ burgeoning Reignmakers gamified digital collectibles franchise. Fight fans are already among the most engaged audiences, and we see these immersive technologies as bolstering the unique sports entertainment ecosystem we provide for consumers while also rewarding their undeniable passion,” said Beth Beiriger, SVP of Product Operations for DraftKings Marketplace.

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Already UFC’s first-ever “Official Sportsbook and Daily Fantasy Partner” in the United States and Canada, DraftKings now extends the collaboration between these leading organizations into blockchain and intends to merge collectability with event-based benefits.

The exclusive Reignmakers UFC game is in development now, and at launch, it will include familiar features and functionality related to missions, achievements, level-ups, leaderboards, and other underlying game mechanics. In the meantime, the inaugural collection of fighter NFTs will provide collectors with timely digital and physical rewards tied to corresponding UFC events. All fighter collections will eventually become playable, in-game items, while maintaining this rewards system for holders.

“We’re excited to expand our relationship with DraftKings to incorporate UFC into their highly anticipated Reignmakers gamified NFT collection. Reignmakers UFC will be a unique, innovative opportunity to create fan engagement that combines DraftKings’ expertise in digital sports entertainment with pioneering technology that features hundreds of UFC athletes, including some of the biggest names in the sport,” Tracey Bleczinski, UFC Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products, said.

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA), DraftKings Inc., and OneTeam Partners (OneTeam), the group licensing partner of the NFLPA, revealed plans to launch gamified NFT (non-fungible token) collections that will debut on DraftKings Marketplace during the 2022-2023 NFL season. The agreement grants DraftKings licensing rights for active NFL players, including the authentic use of name, image, and likeness. This marks the debut integration of gamified NFTs by one of the world’s preeminent athlete unions and a leader in sports technology and entertainment.

“The future of fandom is unfolding in front of us, and few organizations beyond DraftKings are as equipped to capitalize on the increasing intersection between sports and NFTs that will be cornerstones of engagement and entertainment within Web3. We will continuously adapt, innovate and seek progressive collaborators like the NFLPA and OneTeam to reach early adopters among fanbases and ultimately introduce these next-generation products to the masses,” said Beth Beiriger, SVP of product operations for DraftKings Marketplace.

Initial anticipated features of DraftKings’ gamified NFL player NFTs include the ability for customers to use these collectibles within games against others on the platform as well as separate buying and selling functionality. It is expected there will be a variety of NFT editions and tiers that incorporate different aspects of utility and digital scarcity, all powered by Polygon. DraftKings previously announced a strategic agreement with Polygon to provide a scalable, eco-friendly blockchain solution that enables added throughput, lower transaction fees, and expanded capabilities.

“The NFLPA strives to be at the forefront of innovative new products, and the emerging landscape of digital entertainment that creates excitement among players and fans. We look forward to integrating NFL players into DraftKings’ NFT experience to create authentic connections for avid fans,” said Sean C. Sansiveri, General Counsel and Head of Business Affairs at NFL Players Inc., the marketing and licensing arm of the NFLPA.

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OneTeam, which is leading the NFLPA’s digital media business, facilitated the new deal in collaboration with all parties.

This eventual NFL player NFT integration will coincide with DraftKings’ existing NFL designations that include being an Official Daily Fantasy and Sports Betting Partner of the league.