LaLiga to release NFT Fantasy Soccer Games

LaLiga, the renowned Spanish soccer league, has collaborated with gaming startup GameOn to roll out NFT-based fantasy soccer games. Targeting the vast fan base in the U.S. and Canada, this experience promises to redefine fan engagement with non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

GameOn, a rising star in the gaming industry, has inked a deal with LaLiga North America. This partnership aims to craft NFT-centric fantasy games that resonate with the Spanish soccer league's fans in the U.S. and Canada. This partnership is set to bridge the gap between traditional soccer fandom and the NFT space.

GameOn x @LaLiga ????????

This is a huge announcement for GameOn - LALIGA has a global community of over 200 million fans.

“The LALIGA announcement signals a new era for GameOn,’ @gameonmatty

????https://t.co/1rY33CwdKf pic.twitter.com/384cA06mDt — GameOn (@gameonfanapp) September 13, 2023

Fans can expect a multitude of features from this collaboration. Soccer aficionados can purchase packs containing NFTs of their favorite LaLiga players. These tokens serve as the foundation for creating fantasy teams. The success of these virtual teams will be directly tied to the real-world performances of the LaLiga players they represent. This means that every goal, assist, or standout performance on the pitch will have a direct impact on the virtual realm, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for fans. 

To elevate the gaming experience, participants can acquire digital gear, such as jerseys, cleats, or hats. These items aren't just for show; they provide in-game avatars with performance-enhancing boosts, potentially giving players an edge in their fantasy matchups.

Slated for a debut in the U.S. and Canada by the first quarter of 2024, GameOn's LaLiga-themed web application will not only offer the core gaming experience but also integrate social chat features. This allows fans to discuss games, strategies, and player performances in real-time. Moreover, players can win many prizes, ranging from VIP match tickets and autographed merchandise to cash rewards and exclusive face-to-face interactions with soccer stars.

GameOn CEO Matt Bailey emphasized that:

"We're very happy to start in the North American market. Especially [with] these Web3 games, you don't need 100,000 or a million users to have a successful game. You just need 1,000 or 2,000 very excited and dedicated and engaged users, and it's a very successful and profitable product."

In 2021, ESPN secured a media rights agreement with LaLiga for a duration of eight years, allowing them to broadcast Spain's premier soccer league games on ESPN+ until the 2028-29 season. Additionally, as a testament to the league's expanding influence in North America, renowned teams like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid participated in showcase games in the U.S. during the summer under the banner of the Soccer Champions Tour.

LaLiga plans to promote its upcoming games with GameOn through activations in their soccer stadiums, fan watch parties, and social and digital content. The Spanish soccer league has existing deals with Dapper Labs and NFT fantasy sports game Sorare, but Bailey sees GameOn as being more complementary than competitive with other NFT-based projects.

"There's going to be a lot of different Web3 partners, NFT partners for leagues. NFTs or Web3 will be the right technology for many different categories of fan experiences—be it games, moments and highlights, tickets, merchandise. There's not going to be a one-stop-shop for all of those services."

LaLiga isn't new to the world of fan engagement. With two major soccer divisions, the premier LaLiga EA Sports and the secondary LaLiga Hypermotion league, it consistently offers top-tier soccer entertainment to fans worldwide.