Retired NFL star Russell Okung has announced the launch of a new football league called Bitball, offering players the opportunity to be paid in Bitcoin. Okung revealed that the league will debut on December 10 at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the inaugural game set to feature 24 professional players. Only attendees with Bitcoin conference tickets can watch the game live.
The former Carolina Panthers player aims to create a league that embraces cryptocurrency while eliminating traditional middlemen. Okung explained that his vision includes players earning in Bitcoin, fans having ownership opportunities, and the wider community benefiting financially.
Okung’s vision behind bitball
The idea for Bitball was born after Okung retired from professional football. Frustrated by his failed attempts to persuade NFL stakeholders to adopt Bitcoin, he started his league. Okung believes the initiative is designed to provide players with financial freedom and wealth-building opportunities while breaking away from conventional payment structures.
when I said 'pay me in Bitcoin', it was just the beginningannouncing: @playBITBALL. 12.10.24, Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi@bitcoinmenaconf ticket holders attend free pic.twitter.com/9jVjnPgOgy
— OKUNG (@RussellOkung) November 14, 2024
Okung emphasized that Bitball will allow athletes to secure their financial future, a problem that has plagued many ex-professionals. He explained that several former players, including his close friends, were excited about the concept. Okung said he hopes the league becomes a cultural milestone and encourages participants to explore the broader benefits of Bitcoin.
Okung’s history with Bitcoin
Russell Okung has been a prominent advocate for Bitcoin for years. 2020, he gained attention by taking half of his $13 million NFL salary in Bitcoin. That $6.5 million worth of Bitcoin has grown significantly, now valued at $21 million, despite the cryptocurrency market’s volatility.
Okung stated that his decision to accept Bitcoin as payment was guided by his belief in the cryptocurrency’s long-term potential. He highlighted the digital asset’s capacity to provide economic freedom and continues to accumulate Bitcoin. In addition to holding Bitcoin, Okung invests in Bitcoin mining operations, emphasizing his interest in land and energy as part of his broader investment strategy.
Bitcoin’s recent surge and Okung’s optimism
Bitcoin recently saw a significant price increase, hitting an all-time high of $93,000 following Donald Trump’s presidential election. Okung praised Trump’s acknowledgment of Bitcoin during a speech at a major cryptocurrency conference, noting it marked an important shift in how authorities view Bitcoin holders.
Despite the market’s volatility, Okung remains confident in Bitcoin’s future. He pointed out that Bitcoin’s price has historically risen over four years and sees its global adoption as a key driver of its value. Reflecting on challenges such as the FTX collapse, he expressed his commitment to continuing his journey with Bitcoin and advancing its adoption through initiatives like Bitball.
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