The introduction of blockchain technology into our daily lives has brought about the revolution of most of our industries. This push for change has reached the sports industry, as the sector is being driven by the integration of blockchain technology.
Many experts, including MightyTips tipster, Evelyn Balyton, believe that this transformation will soon revolutionize every sphere of sports. It is also expected to shape how we perceive sports in general.
This article delves deeper into how blockchain technology impacts sports, the benefits of its integration, and how it enables the creation of new business models.
What are the Benefits of Blockchain in Sports and Esports?
Since blockchain’s integration into the sports industry, we have witnessed numerous benefits. Especially in the way it has transformed the operations of teams, leagues, and sports organizations. These impacts have been impressive and here are some of the ways using blockchain technology has benefited the sports industry:
Transparency and Fairness
With the introduction of blockchain technology, we have seen a more transparent and fairness in sports transactions. This has reduced the risk of fraud and manipulation.
Security and Integrity
There’s also the use case for security and integrity, based on blockchain’s advanced cryptography and its decentralized network. The use of smart contract protocols helps with ensuring data and transactions are securely sent and are protected from unauthorized access.
Efficiency and Speed
The blockchain network also allows for efficient and fast transactions on smart contracts. This helps eradicate the need for intermediaries, which limits the speed of completion.
According to Jeremy Allaire, “The global adoption of blockchain paves the way for value to move as freely as information and data on the internet today.” So, as more sports brands integrate this technology, time and resources are saved, and focus can be shifted to other areas.
New Revenue Streams
Thanks to blockchain technology, tokenization has become a new trend, and this can serve as a new revenue stream. Sports brands and businesses can use this opportunity to engage with the fans and generate revenue for their organizations.
According to one reddit user, “blockchain tech will become standard in many businesses in 5 years“.
Empowering Players and Fans
We also have the use case of sole control of ownership and rights by athletes and fans. With a whole lot of tokens available in sports, everyone can claim originality and ownership over their assets, experiences, and data. In fact, this is even a trend with the explosion of digital collectibles like NFT recently.
Overall, the adoption of blockchain technology in sports has created channels for new opportunities, enhanced fan engagement, and boosted revenue.
How Blockchain Technology is Impacting the Sports Industry?
Blockchain technology is here to stay, and we can see that in how the sports industry has adopted its unique style. With major sports brands now introducing innovations such as ownership authentication, merchandising, ticketing and tokenization, and even event management, the impact has only just begun.
According to American business executive, Julie Sweet, “Blockchain should be used to address opportunities and problems that lack easier answers.” We have discussed some blockchain use cases that has made positive impacts in the sports ecosystem below:
Authentication and Verification
Blockchain technology can also be used for the authentication of sports memorabilia and digital assets. With this, fraud and counterfeiting would soon reach an all-time low in the sports industry thereby protecting its integrity.
Ticketing and Event Management
Blockchain-based ticketing systems are also a new trend, and this would be highly welcomed by sports fans. Soon, most teams may start accepting virtual currencies and NFTs. Especially as it would eradicate scalping and also allow actual fans to get access to these events thereby cutting off bootleggers.
Players Contracts and Ownership
We would also see more secure and transparent contractual agreements. This move will allow players to adequately manage their unique digital assets and rights. With this, there would be a reduction in disputes and fraud from any of the involved parties.
Use Cases of Digital Currency in Sports
When it comes to the uses of digital currency in sports, we have seen some teams turn out with very revolutionary innovations. Some of the key uses of these innovations include:
Fan Tokens and Engagement
Recently, teams have started issuing fan tokens which are designed to enhance fan interactions and drive engagements. This blockchain solution also helps create new revenue opportunities. These tokens are made in such a way that fans can use them to vote on team decisions, participate in polls, and even access some of the team’s exclusive content.
Player Salaries and Bonuses
We have also seen some players get paid in digital currency like Bitcoin and Ethereum in recent times. Players like NFL pro, Odell Beckham is one of the top names who has received bonuses and/or salaries with digital currencies.
Partnership, Sponsorships, and Payments
Times are changing, and this is evident in how blockchain technology is transforming the sports industry. Partnerships, sponsorship deals, and payments are no longer the same.
Sponsorship deals are the backbone of how the sports industry thrives, and what better way to make it more efficient than with blockchain technology? Teams like FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and the Dallas Cowboys have all partnered with cryptocurrency companies in recent years.
Digital Payments have also been made easy for teams that introduce blockchain technology to their fans. This has helped them become the front runners in a growing niche. In one instance, we saw when Oakland Athletics, a baseball team in the MLB made history by becoming the first MLB team to accept cryptocurrency payments. This was for the payment made by Voyager Digital, a crypto company for a six-person suite. This move has been highly applauded, and it has since opened the door for other ground-breaking blockchain investments.
Other applications of blockchain technology in sports include:
- Crypto Betting: The adoption of this technology in sports betting means bettors can now make wagers using blockchain. Crypto assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more are now accepted at various bookmakers. If you want a bookmaker that allows you to bet using cryptocurrencies or fiat money, find your sports betting destination on MightyTips.
- Virtual Experiences: Fans can also enjoy a safe and secure digital experience through blockchain-powered applications.
- Tokenized Ownership: Fans can also buy team/player tokens which can either be a part of their stake to ownership in a team or player.
Final Thoughts
As the appreciation for blockchain technology continues to grow in the sports industry, we can all agree that the future looks bright. We might see a future where athletes, digital identities, and assets become so much more valuable. This way, ownership and fandom in sports would take a different turn.