Manchester City, the Premier League football club, is set to launch an exciting new collection of nonfungible tokens (NFTs). This collaboration with cryptocurrency exchange OKX will give fans the opportunity to win limited-edition jerseys and matchday experiences.
The campaign, called “Unseen City Shirts,” marks the latest development in the ongoing partnership between Manchester City and OKX. Fans can create these digital collectibles on the OKX app, with the chance to win specially designed commemorative football shirts depending on the rarity of the NFT.
The limited collection jerseys feature unique designs that incorporate the iconic Lancashire rose and the Manchester worker bee. These designs have been beautifully hand-painted by artist Christian Jeffery.
Haider Rafique, the global chief marketing officer of OKX, spoke exclusively to Cointelegraph about the campaign. He explained that the rarity of the NFTs is determined algorithmically. Five ultra-rare NFTs will grant lucky winners access to a once-in-a-lifetime play-on-pitch experience, two tickets to a Manchester City match, and a limited-edition City shirt.
In addition, there are five rare NFTs that offer a stadium tour experience, a hospitality ticket, and a “The Roses and the Bees” design jersey. OKX users can mint these NFTs for free on the OKX Marketplace.
Nuria Tarré, the chief marketing and fan experience officer of Manchester City, highlighted that the NFT launch is part of the club’s strategy to attract tech-savvy audiences who are open to new innovations and technology. Digital ownership is an exciting dimension that Manchester City is keen to bring to its fans.
Tarré also mentioned that the club will continue exploring the possibilities of Web3, both through its partnership with OKX and other avenues. Manchester City has actively embraced new technology in Web2 and metaverse environments, venturing into the world of Roblox in late 2022.
Haider Rafique has played a crucial role in OKX’s sports partnerships, including collaborations with Manchester City and Formula 1 team McLaren. The exchange has been exploring various marketing initiatives to tap into the fan bases of these popular sporting brands.
Rafique explained that the past three years have been dedicated to laying the groundwork to provide utility to sports fans and Web3 users. By starting with basic NFTs attached to physical goods, OKX aims to create a platform for more utility-based ecosystems.
OKX initially partnered with Manchester City in March 2022 and then expanded its sponsorship by becoming the club’s official training kit partner for the 2022-2023 season. In June 2023, OKX further solidified its relationship with the club by becoming City’s official sleeve partner in a new multiyear agreement.
In conclusion, the world of crypto and European football continue to intersect, with NFTs gaining traction among fans and clubs alike. The collaboration between Manchester City and OKX demonstrates the growing interest in digital collectibles and the potential of Web3 technology in the sports industry.