FC Barcelona, an eminent European football franchise, has joined forces with the non-fungible token (NFT) collection World of Women to unveil the second digital collectible in the ten-part “Masterpiece” series. This collaboration highlights the increasing adoption of the blockchain technology within the sports industry.
The announcement reveals the NFT is named “Empowerment” and has been crafted by World of Women artist Rhi Madeline, available for purchase through an auction on the marketplace OpenSea from June 26 to June 28. Drawing inspiration from Spanish soccer player Alexia Putellas, the artwork celebrates FC Barcelona’s historic victory against the German team Wolfsburg in the Women’s Champion League semi-final match, which drew nearly 92,000 viewers.
While the collaboration comes with remarkable benefits to both parties involved, it also sparks skepticism surrounding the sustainability of NFTs and their impact on the environment. Critics argue that the energy consumption of NFT transactions adds to their carbon footprint, casting shadows on the technology’s credibility. Despite these concerns, the advent of eco-friendly alternatives and a growing inclination toward renewable energy sources in the blockchain space signal positive steps toward minimizing this impact.
In a press release, Putellas expressed her pride in being a part of FC Barcelona and the opportunity to be immortalized in the Masterpiece collection. World of Women’s participation in the series emphasizes its mission to empower women and non-binary people in the Web3 space, as Diana-Luk Ye, Web3 Partnerships and Marketing Manager, pointed out. This partnership aims to address the issue of representation and further supports the mission through the inspiring story of Alexia Putellas.
Not only does the owner of the Empowerment NFT receive this unique and inspiring piece of digital art, but they will also be granted exclusive FC Barcelona benefits. These include opportunities to meet Putellas, a signed pair of soccer cleats, and a physical chair from Barcelona Stadium Spotify Camp Nou, adorned with a signed portrait of Putellas painted by artist Oscar Tusquets.
In 2022, FC Barcelona announced its first NFT in the Masterpiece series, titled “In a Way, Immortal.” This piece was inspired by the late football player Johann Cruyff and sought to honor the club’s history and pay tribute to its numerous players and fans. After its release, the prestigious auction house Sotheby’s purchased the NFT for nearly $700,000, signifying the staggering potential within the NFT market.
This collaboration between FC Barcelona and World of Women highlights the expanding relationship between sports and blockchain technology, while opening discussions on environmental concerns and representation issues. As advancements in eco-friendly alternatives persist and efforts to support diversity grow, this partnership is a testament to the ever-evolving world of crypto and blockchain in our daily lives.
Source: Coindesk
