Premier League champions Manchester City FC are the latest major football club to dive into the world of NFTs and web3.
The club has announced a multi-year partnership with digital collectibles platform Quidd to launch a series of NFT player cards and unlock unique fan experiences.
TLDR
- Manchester City FC has partnered with digital collectibles platform Quidd for a multi-year deal to launch NFT collectibles
- The first Quidd collection will feature over 200 player cards, with the first 10,000 buyers getting exclusive bonus packs
- NFT holders can unlock real-world rewards like merchandise, tickets, and unique experiences like watching team training
- This continues Manchester City’s exploration of web3, having previously launched NFT collections with OKX crypto exchange
- Other major football clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona and individual players like Ronaldo have also entered the NFT space
The first NFT collection under the deal will see over 200 digital player cards released, featuring images and designs of Manchester City’s star footballers. Fans who purchase the NFT card packs, dubbed “Cityzens” packs, from Quidd’s marketplace will be able to collect, trade and showcase the digital collectibles.
To drive initial demand, Quidd is offering special incentives – the first 10,000 fans to buy packs will receive two free exclusive “For the Fans” packs containing bonus items. The inaugural Cityzens packs go on sale on May 2nd.
But the real drawcard are the real-world rewards and experiences unlocked by holding the NFTs. Manchester City says collectors will be able to redeem their NFTs for club merchandise, hospitality tickets to matches, and ultra-rare “money-can’t-buy” experiences.
This includes opportunities to attend exclusive events like watching the first team train at their City Football Academy facilities.
City digital trading cards are coming to @Quidd! ✨
Collect your favourite players, win prizes, and get ready for new product drops 👇
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 24, 2024
Tom Boyle, VP of Global Partnerships at Manchester City’s parent company City Football Group, expressed excitement at bringing collectibles into the digital age and finding new ways to connect with fans globally.
He said the club looks forward to creating “new digital experiences and games” through the Quidd partnership.
For Quidd’s part, CEO Michael Bramlage labeled Manchester City as “the most forward-thinking and progressive football club on earth” when it comes to innovative fan experiences.
The deal continues Manchester City’s growing embrace of web3 technologies and NFTs. Earlier in April, the club dropped an “Unseen City Shirts” NFT collection in partnership with crypto exchange OKX. City had previously signed OKX as a sponsor in 2022.
Manchester City are not alone, with other heavyweight football clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona and the Argentine FA all launching NFT projects in the last couple of years. Global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has his own wildly successful NFT collection too.
