Upland: NFL digital collectibles take center stage as Upland renews partnership with NFLPA

NFL action is back - and so is its presence in Web3. Web3 startup Upland is transforming the way fans interact with the NFL by introducing digital collectibles that capture real-life player performances and moments. Through its renewed partnership with the NFL Players Association, Upland gives users the opportunity to collect, trade, and compete with virtual items tied to actual NFL games. Fans can engage in season-long competitions, enhance their collections, and even wear their digital gear in the Upland metaverse, creating a truly immersive experience. "We are now renewing our partnership with the NFL Players Association," Upland co-founder and co-CEO Idan Zuckerman told TheStreet Crypto. He explained how the collaboration celebrates NFL players through digital collectibles in the Upland metaverse. These collectibles cover various 3D assets related to players and even commemorate specific game appearances. Zuckerman continued by highlighting Upland's success with the NFLPA, saying, "We've been selected as the 2022 partner of the year for the NFL Player Association." He added that the product has been growing steadily, with nearly 30,000 unique owners engaging with these digital assets. Zuckerman also emphasized Upland's strong presence in the U.S., aligning with the large American fan base of the National Football League. TheStreet Crypto host Rob Nelson, a self-proclaimed NFL fan from Wisconsin, was intrigued by the concept, asking how the game would engage fans. "You're saying there'll be competitions...is it Madden or is it real?" Idan Zuckerman clarified that Upland is more akin to collecting digital baseball cards, not action-based football gameplay. "It's a digital version of it on steroids," Idan Zuckerman said, describing how users can collect items from their favorite teams and players, enhancing their fan experience. The discussion further delved into the potential of these digital collectibles. Idan Zuckerman mentioned, "These are NFTs, so you can always sell them if you want." He described how fans could collect mementos tied to real game performances, enhancing player scores and competing for rewards in season-long competitions. To wrap up, Zuckerman shared the immersive experience Upland offers, stating, "These digital collectibles ... are actual wearables in Upland, so you can now wear them when you walk into a cafe."