Explore Nike’s pioneering move into Web3 and NFTs, as they expand their platform with new content, partners, and users. Discover their collaboration with EA Sports to redefine digital self-expression in the modern era.
Nike is pioneering the way for established businesses by boldly embracing Web3 and progressively expanding its strategy to bring additional content, partners, and users to its platform by leveraging its excellent performance with NFTs.SWOOSH.
As it aims to collaborate with EA Sports, Nike is wading even further into the Web3 water. Through their partnership with EA Sports, they hope to reimagine how players “express themselves” in the digital age.
Getting a Big Collaboration Started
The sports company’s digital arm, Nike Virtual Studios, established a partnership with gaming behemoth EA Sports on June 1st in order to bring Polygon NFTs and digital content from Nike’s.SWOOSH platform to EA’s gaming ecosystem.
While the partnership’s specifics are yet unknown, Nike’s teaser film makes reference to football and soccer in general, presumably referencing the FIFA and NFL Madden video game franchises. By working together,.SWOOSH and EA Sports are able to “express personal style through play.”
Given that EA Sports is home to some of the most successful and well-liked video game franchises in the business, this partnership might greatly accelerate Web3 adoption. With over 325 million units and 130 million copies sold, FIFA and Madden NFL have enjoyed tremendous success, demonstrating the breadth and appeal of EA Sports games. FIFA 23, their most recent product, sold 10.3 million copies in its first week.
Nike’s general manager, Ron Faris, expressed his enthusiasm in a news statement, saying:
Joining forces with EA Sports is a thrilling development. Our shared dedication to innovation, creativity, and excellence is the bedrock of this partnership. It paves the way for us to bring to life some truly remarkable experiences for our .SWOOSH community and the immense EA Sports fan base.
Andrea Hopelain, SVP of Brand for EA Sports and Racing, further reinforced the excitement by stating:
We at EA are steadfast in leading the next wave in sports fandom. Our renewed partnership with Nike directly intersects innovation, sport, and culture through our collaborative work with .SWOOSH, we plan to position creativity and self-expression at the heart of fan experiences. We envision a world where fans can connect, compete, and share their passion for sports.
On the other hand:
- Nike’s still-under-development.SWOOSH platform has already had great success with the release of its sneaker NFT series, bringing in a staggering $1.9 million in sales.
- Although Nike’s NFT collections are built on Polygon (MATIC), it does not accept cryptocurrency payments.
- Most of Europe does not yet have access to the.SWOOSH platform, and it is unsure if EU users will be able to use the NFT.
- In 2022, Nike earned $185 million from NFT sales, surpassing the combined revenue of Gucci, Tiffany, and Adidas.
Some of the largest names in the sports sector are Nike and EA Sports. Collaboration between the businesses may spur adoption and introduce Web3 and blockchain technology to billions of people.
