BYU, Web3 developer launches Fan Engagement Platform through NFTs
PROVO, Utah – BYU athletics and Web3 developer Ocavu have launched the world’s largest fan engagement platform through NFT experiences.
The domain is CougsRise.com.
#BYU launched An NFT marketplace that can benefit both the school’s and BYU student-athletes in the NIL era.
Here is an example of an NFT that fans can now purchase.@kslsports pic.twitter.com/0KWGytSR6O
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) 16 August 2022
Every NFT experience purchased through CougsRise.com will benefit BYU student-athletes and the BYU Athletic Department.
“The launch of CougsRise.com allows unprecedented access for the most loyal fans in the country and creating the opportunity for Cougar student-athletes to monetize in an NCAA-compliant and easy way is game-changing,” said BYU Associate Athletic Director for Corporate Sponsorships Casey Stauffer. “With the fall season starting soon, we are excited for fans to have amazing experiences and continue to deepen their connection with BYU Athletics.”
The big question is, what is an NFT?
What is an NFT?
NFT stands for Non-fungible token. Which basically means it’s a one-of-a-kind item.
Launched Aug. 16, CougsRise.com immediately features NFTs of high-profile BYU football players such as tight end Isaac Rex and offensive tackle Blake Freeland. They also have a “Kickoff Series Pack” for $24.99. Only 3,000 are available for purchase, making the NFTs’ exclusive nature more valuable.
According to Ocavu, named one of the 5,000 fastest growing companies by Inc. in 2022, fans will be able to redeem NFTs for real-world experiences that include watching the football team warm up, driving the team out of the tunnel on game day, or hitting the links with the golf team.
“From the beginning, our discussions with BYU made it clear that Web3 could be a game changer for NIL agreements,” said Ocavu CEO, Jon Cheney. “Both organizations recognized the value of creating real tools with Web3, as opposed to just using Web3 for Web3’s sake. This now changes how universities can approach NIL agreements. BYU shows that a university can put student-athletes and fans first and create an even deeper connection in society in the NIL era.”
Along with NFTs of current players and other real-world experiences, fans will also have the chance to view many artifacts from BYU’s history in athletics in 3D and augmented reality. Ocavu began working on the AR piece in the spring and provided teasers of their work.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday, noon-3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
