FC Barcelona, one of the most popular and successful football clubs in the world, is not only a powerhouse on the pitch, but also a pioneer in the digital realm. The club has been exploring the potential of Web3, blockchain, and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) to create new and exciting ways for its fans to connect with their passion.
To achieve this vision, FC Barcelona has launched Barça Vision, a digital initiative that aims to integrate all its Web3 and blockchain content, including NFTs and metaverse, into a single platform. Barça Vision is part of the club's strategy to build the digital Espai Barça, a virtual space where fans can interact with the club and its players, access exclusive content, and participate in various activities.
To fund this ambitious project, FC Barcelona has secured a €120 million ($132 million) investment from Libero Football Finance AG and Nipa Capital B.V., two reputable firms in the football and venture capital sectors. In exchange, the club has sold a 29.5% stake in Bridgeburg Invest, the holding company for Barça Vision. The deal is subject to the approval of FC Barcelona shareholders and is expected to close in Q4 2023.
FC Barcelona has been working with the Chiliz blockchain since February 2020 to create Ethereum-based BAR fan tokens for its sports franchise. These tokens allow fans to vote on club decisions, access exclusive rewards, and enjoy other benefits. In August 2022, Chiliz announced it had bought a 24.5% stake in FC Barcelona's digital content creation arm Barça Vision for $100 million.
In May 2023, FC Barcelona launched its first inaugural NFT collection with Plastiks, a platform that combines art and environmental awareness. The collection, called "Unleash Your Passion", features 3,000 animal-themed NFTs at a price of $30 each that the club says will contribute to "removing 35,000,000 kilograms of plastic from our planet."
In July 2023, the football club sold its first NFT "Masterpiece #1 In a way" at Sotheby's New York auction for $693,000. The second collectible in the series, Masterpiece #2 - Empowerment, was sold on OpenSea on June 28, 2023, for $300,231.
FC Barcelona is showing that it is not only a leader in football, but also in innovation and creativity. By embracing Web3, blockchain, and NFTs, the club is creating new opportunities for its fans to express their loyalty and love for the team. Barça Vision is more than just a digital platform; it is a way of living the Barça spirit.
Cheers ☕
