Web3 gaming platform Upland extends partnership with NFLPA

Immersive Web3 gaming platform Upland has announced an extension of its collaboration with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) for the fourth season.

The collaboration, which also includes OneTeam Partners (OneTeam), will focus on creating new avenues of engagement and rewards to the existing ones for the upcoming NFL season, Upland said in a press release shared with Finbold on September 13.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the NFLPA and OneTeam for the 4th year in a row.<..> Being named NFLPA’s Licensee of the Year in 2022 was a significant achievement, and it inspires us to keep innovating in this coming season,”,” said Idan Zuckerman, Co-Founder of Upland.

Through the partnership, users will be able to collect, trade, and compete with virtual items linked to actual NFL players. At the same time, fans can participate in season-long competitions and wear their digital gear in the Upland metaverse. 

Notably, the collectibles cover various 3D assets related to players and celebrate specific game appearances.

New collectibles for the season 

Upland also plans to unveil the NFLPA Legits helmet models for the new season to expand players’ collectible portfolios and introduce community-oriented challenges. In terms of rewards, players will be awarded physical fan wearables.

According to Upland, the new elements will emphasize complementing fan-favorite initiatives, including collecting and exchanging Professional Football Player Legits. Notably, the legits can be acquired in the Upland Store and at NFLPA stadiums in the Metaverse. 

Additionally, the initiative will focus on fans participating in events to unlock rewards linked to Pro Athletes and running digital fan shops, enabling players to trade assets within the Upland Web3 economy.

Currently, the partnership features the NFLPA Legits product in Upland, and according to the gaming entity, it has 850,000 items owned by over 27,000 players. During the 2023 season, activity on the platform grew by 43%, while the number of items purchased surged 72% year-over-year.