Over the weekend, notable advancements were made in the sports-cryptocurrency sphere with Gemini co-founders investing in Real Bedford FC and VeChain launching NFC-equipped UFC fighting gloves. These initiatives aim to merge technological innovation with sports engagement and authenticity.
The landscape of sports and cryptocurrency collaboration continues to evolve, despite the setback faced by the industry following the collapse of FTX. This weekend, two significant announcements demonstrated renewed interest in the intersection of these fields.
On Saturday, Gemini exchange co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss declared a substantial investment in football club Real Bedford FC. The club, owned by Peter McCormack, host of the “What Bitcoin Did” podcast, welcomed the Winklevoss twins as new co-owners following their $4.5 million Bitcoin contribution. McCormack acquired the team in 2021.
This investment marks the most considerable infusion of funds into a non-professional league football club in the UK. The funds are earmarked for the development of a new training center, fostering local talent, and bolstering girls’ and youth football initiatives, as per a press release.
Celebrating their new venture on X, the twins and McCormack shared, “We believe that Real Bedford — powered by bitcoin and Peter’s leadership — has the ability to defy the odds, upset the establishment, and dethrone incumbents,” aligning the club’s journey with the revolutionary spirit of Bitcoin.
In another part of the sports world, the collaboration between VeChain and UFC took a technological leap forward with the introduction of fighting gloves equipped with NFC chips. These chips are intended for authentication and enhancing fan engagement. To mark the launch, UFC President Dana White created an exclusive first batch of 25 gloves for celebrities like Joe Rogan.
Detailing the benefits of the new gloves, the company noted on X, “While the improved gloves serve to better protect athletes, the integrated $VET-powered chips provide a means to provide an immutable record of usage, and ensures fans who receive gloves receive genuine products, authenticated by blockchain, preventing fraud and also preserving their value.”
This initiative builds on the partnership between VeChain and UFC that began in 2022, which included a reported 5-year, $100 million sponsorship deal. VeChain has praised this partnership as pivotal in advancing the adoption of the VeChainThor protocol.
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