Ping pong is the newest sport getting the crypto remedy.
World Desk Tennis (WTT), the occasions arm of the game’s governing physique, stated Wednesday it’s pursuing Web3 initiatives in partnership with non-fungible token startup NFT Tech – in an effort to increase the sport.
The multiyear tie-up will see WTT situation “digital collectibles, metaverse experiences, play-to-earn and move-to-earn gaming,” in line with a launch shared with CoinDesk. WTT informed CoinDesk it runs greater than 50 occasions a yr.
Desk tennis is hardly alone within the metaverse sports activities motion: All 4 main sports activities leagues within the U.S. are experimenting with the tech as a option to interact new audiences.
Whereas it’s unsure precisely what position crypto can have in the way forward for these sports activities, it’s changing into clear that the majority sporting organizations are holding a detailed eye on Web3 as a development and advertising software, particularly for its youthful, tech-savvy demographics.
“In lots of instances, we shall be interesting to first-time pockets holders,” NFT Tech CEO Adam De Cata stated in an e-mail. “Utilizing NFT know-how, we are going to actively discover the ‘IRL’ utility and entry potentialities resembling tickets to tournaments, coaching amenities and on-line broadcasts to VIP occasions.”
De Cata isn’t any stranger to tennis-themed NFT crossovers. He beforehand ran partnerships for the favored metaverse recreation Decentraland, which in January hosted the Australian Open’s NFT debut – a fan favourite. NFT Tech labored on that challenge as properly
Learn extra: Australian Open Apes Into Tennis NFTs and Decentraland, Too
Desk tennis is claimed to be the third-fastest-growing sport in middle-age demographics and eighth-most well-liked on the earth, with its Olympic viewership at all-time highs.
The game can be changing into more and more financialized, with tennis table-related sports activities betting an unlikely hit throughout U.S. betting markets.