The relationship between NFTs and the NBA continues, most recently through a limited run of digital and paired physical sneakers brought to life through a collaboration between PUMA, LaMelo Ball, and Gutter Cat Gang (GCG).
Titled the MB.03 aka 'GutterMelo,' the sneaker represents the NBA star and PUMA Hoops athlete's third signature shoe and first with on-chain integrations.
Heat check ✅
GUTTERMELO MB.03 | JUNE 29 pic.twitter.com/RRjU1ytvQc
— Gutter Cat Gang (@GutterCatGang) June 6, 2023
Starting Thursday, June 29, collectors will have an opportunity to purchase the limited-edition sneakers through an OpenSea exclusive drop, available to buy with either crypto or credit and debit cards.
First revealed during his Europe Tour with PUMA, the brand shared that "This next generation MB is built for performance by bringing the disruptive and unique character of Melo onto the court through unrestrained design and the latest PUMA NITRO foam technology."
PUMA also hinted that this is the "first sneak peek" at an expanding franchise, with more offerings expected to come as part of a greater launch in the fall.
Prices for the unique digital collectible start at $175 USD and will act as a ticket to claim the physical twin of the NFT. Those who collect the token will have from July 18 to August 20 to redeem their sneakers, with no other redemption periods available once that window has closed.
The drop marks yet another NBA star bringing NFTs to the court, with past collaborative examples including Wilson Chandler with CryptoKickers, Metta Sandiford-Artest with BlankSoles, and Mike Bibby's auction of the physical Air Jordan XIX PEs made for the 2004 All-Star Game, along with a one of one NFT clone.
Other notable examples include Malik Monk's Nike Kobe 6 Gutter Cat Gang sneaker and Tyrese Haliburton's Nike Kobe AD "Bored Ape #8409" game-worn sneakers.
Whether through official collaboration or the leveraging of a collectibles intellectual property by the player that owns it, NFTs through their nature of identifiable branding and community-building properties, continue to become more popular with sports brands and athletes around the world.
In other news, Nike and EA SPORTS collaborate to integrate .SWOOSH virtual creations into EA SPORTS experiences.
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