Hong Kong Rugby Union launched its brand new NFT marketplace in collaboration with NuArca Labs to celebrate the return of the Hong Kong 7s tournament.
According to the press release, “the marketplace is the start of the organization’s aim to give fans more ways to indulge in their fandom and own a piece of the action.”
The NFT marketplace is powered by NuArca Labs, a major NFT white-label platform. Major League Rugby, the Rugby League World Cup in 2021, Hull FC, and other sports IP holders all have NuArca Labs as their official NFT partner.
The platform will offer four different kinds of digital collectibles to Sevens series enthusiasts. The Hong Kong Rugby Union will offer team card NFTs for sale prior to the competition.
Then, during the series, a game ball and NFT jerseys will be put up for auction. Auction winners will be able to use the NFT to exchange their winning bids for the jerseys and balls used in the competition.
Attendees of the HongKong FinTech Week and Golf Day can also get free commemorative NFTs. The owners will also be qualified to win complimentary tickets to the games in November and they will be eligible to win the Golden Ticket.
Hong Kong Rugby Union is giving out free digital NFTs with its flying red dragon mascot, Wai Bei, to commemorate the opening of the NFT marketplace.
The mascot “went missing” throughout the Covid lockdown before eventually appearing in the metaverse. Until November 3rd, every fan who logs into the new platform will receive a free NFT with Wai Bei.
In addition, spectators at the Hong Kong 7s competition can participate in a “Where’s Wai Bei?” treasure hunt.
They must look for five QR codes that have been hidden around the stadium. More free Wai Bei collectibles can be unlocked with each of the codes and those who locate all five will also be eligible to win a VIP tournament experience.
The tournament will feature a number of fan-focused special events, including the first digital collectible, intense rugby matches, talented teams, and players, living rivalry and competition, national pride, as well as international flair and glamour.
NuArca Labs CEO Todd Cooper noted “We are excited to partner with Hong Kong Rugby Union to guide fans into the world of digital collectibles, show their team spirit, and make web3 safe, accessible, and simple to enjoy. Rugby fans are a tight community worldwide, and now they have a new way to indulge their fandom together.”
Bryan Rennie, General Manager of Hong Kong Sevens, added “We believe this new era of web3 will allow us to create not only innovative, exciting & engaging experiences for our audiences, but also more value for those charitable and sustainable organizations and groups HKRU supports through channels such as the HKRU Community Foundation as well as reinvesting proceeds back into the game.”
Also Read: Hong Kong Government Issues Policy Statement on Virtual Assets
