DraftKings announces Steve Aoki as NFT brand ambassador – Crypto gambling

DraftKings Enhances NFT Market with DJ Steve Aoki as Brand Ambassador

In a strategic move to amplify its presence in the non-fungible token (NFT) space, leading fantasy sports and sports betting operator DraftKings has announced that renowned DJ and entrepreneur Steve Aoki will serve as the brand ambassador for its NFT marketplace, DraftKings Marketplace. This collaboration aims to leverage Aoki’s extensive influence in the digital collectibles arena and invigorate DraftKings’ offerings.

As part of his role, Aoki will actively promote the innovative DraftKings Reignmakers franchise. This unique platform allows users to buy and trade NFT player cards, which can be utilized in fantasy sports-style contests where participants compete against one another for cash prizes. This integration of blockchain technology into fantasy sports represents a cutting-edge fusion of digital asset ownership and competitive gaming.

The first launch from Aoki, designated as the Aoki 2022 All-Star Access Pass, is scheduled to debut on September 14. This exclusive set of digital collectibles is expected to drive user engagement and expand the reach of the DraftKings Marketplace.

Commenting on the announcement, DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish expressed enthusiasm about Aoki’s involvement, stating, “Steve Aoki is globally recognized for his contributions to the music industry and, more recently, for his engagement with digital collectibles. We are excited to welcome him to the DraftKings family.” He further emphasized the importance of Aoki’s fresh perspective in shaping community-driven projects, which will help foster new experiences for both DraftKings’ customers and Aoki’s passionate fanbase.

Aoki echoed this sentiment, remarking, “I am thrilled to be collaborating with DraftKings to pioneer the next generation of fantasy sports. Through Reignmakers Football, DraftKings customers can experience a novel sense of ownership over their rosters, enabled by the innovative capabilities of Web3 technology.”

Since launching its NFT marketplace in August 2021, DraftKings has featured high-profile products involving sports legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Tony Hawk, Naomi Osaka, and Tiger Woods. However, like many sectors within the cryptocurrency space, the worldwide NFT market faced significant challenges in 2022, coinciding with a broader decline in cryptocurrency valuations.

As the marketplace continues to navigate these fluctuations, the partnership with Aoki signifies an important stride towards revitalizing interest in digital collectibles and enhancing user engagement through innovative offerings. With the growing demand for interactive and ownership-based gaming experiences, DraftKings is well-positioned to leverage its strategic advantages amidst the evolving landscape of the gambling and NFT industries.