Sports NFTs skyrocketed from a $1.3 billion market in 2021 to $2.6 billion in 2022 – seeing a 100% jump in just one year. But now experts predict the market could surpass $40 billion by 2030.
Well, the reason for such growth is obvious. Fans finally own some real pieces of sports history – authenticated, tradeable, and impossible to fake. No more worrying about counterfeit jerseys or damaged trading cards. It’s a clear ownership of your favorite moments.
Now, let’s check out the 8 NFT collections that sports fans actually spend money on right now.
1. NBA Top Shot – The $750 Million Basketball Giant
NBA Top Shot dominates the sports NFT sphere with more than $750 million in total sales. Dapper Labs launched it in 2019, and it quickly became one of the five leading NFT collections ever.
What makes it special is that you can buy video highlights of actual NBA plays. But not pictures – real video clips. A LeBron James dunk sold for $387,600. Other rare moments regularly sell for over $200k.
The platform runs on Flow blockchain and accepts credit cards, so you don't need crypto knowledge to start. With moments starting at just a few dollars, new collectors can jump in without breaking the bank.
2. Sorare – Fantasy Sports with Real Money
Sorare made fantasy sports even more exciting by bringing real ownership to it. The platform has more than 150 licensed soccer teams, including Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Juventus. Big names such as Antoine Griezmann and Gerard Piqué back the project.
You collect player cards and use them in fantasy tournaments. Your cards gain or lose value based on real player performance. Win tournaments, earn more cards or Ethereum. The platform expanded to MLB and NBA, making it a leading one for many sports.
Smart collectors know that focusing on just one platform limits your chances. Many seasoned NFT investors also explore New Crypto Currency options to make their blockchain investments more profitable. Since NFTs and crypto share the same tech foundation, knowing one helps you master the other.
Such a dual approach makes sense, though – you're already using blockchain wallets and know market dynamics.
3. NFL All Day – Football's Virtual Trading Cards
NFL All Day brings Dapper Labs' winning formula to American football. The platform captures everything from touchdown passes to game-saving tackles in NFT form.
Patrick Mahomes NFTs already hit $30,000 in sales – and as more seasons add new content, early collectors position themselves for profits. The platform has the same experience as NBA Top Shot, accepting regular payment methods.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo's Binance Collection – Star Power Enters Blockchain
Cristiano Ronaldo partnered with Binance to launch 1,562,199 NFTs before the 2022 World Cup. The collection features seven animated statues showing iconic career moments, split into four rarity levels.
Holders get some exclusive perks: merchandise, potential personal messages from Ronaldo, and VIP experiences. Starting at only 0.02 BNB, the collection made superstar NFTs accessible to regular fans.
5. FIFA+ Collect – World Cup Tickets Through NFTs
FIFA entered the NFT game in December 2023 with Modex. Their first drop had 100 rare NFTs at $999 each, but here's the thing – they included eligibility for FIFA World Cup 2026 Finals tickets.
The platform moved to Polygon blockchain for wider releases, bringing physical item redemptions and VIP experiences. FIFA proves that leading sports organizations see NFTs as more than just some pictures.
6. The Association – NFTs That Change with Performance
The NBA launched The Association in April 2022 as the first dynamic sports NFT collection. Well, these NFTs actually change appearance based on player and team performance throughout the season.
So if your player has a breakout year, your NFT reflects it. Poor performance as well. It makes a living collectible that changes with the real sports.
7. Torque Squad – Racing into the Metaverse
Motorsport fans get their fix with Torque Squad. Backed by Animoca Brands, the collection brings real use, such as F1 Grand Prix tickets.
It integrates with the REVV Motorsport ecosystem, making many new ways to use your NFTs. Early adopters already report winning race tickets and exclusive paddock access.
8. DeRace – Bet on Virtual Horses
DeRace builds an entire NFT horse racing sphere – you buy NFT horses and race them for prize pools.
The platform uses its own DERC currency and partners with seasoned players such as Animoca Brands, Binance, and Chainlink. Winners earn real rewards, making it way more than a collectible game.
Sports Trading Platforms – OpenSea, Rarible, and Candy Digital
But besides dedicated sports platforms, general NFT marketplaces have massive sports sections:
-
OpenSea: The biggest NFT marketplace has thousands of sports collectibles
-
Rarible: Community-governed platform with helpful guides for beginners
-
Candy Digital: Handles official MLB NFTs, recently valued at $1.5 billion after a $100 million investment
Real Numbers Behind Sports NFTs
Now, let's check some facts. Only 12 million people worldwide own NFTs – that's 0.35% of the global population. Among 18-34 year-olds, 5% own NFTs versus just 1% of people over 55.
The sports NFT market still grows by the year. Video highlights lead sales, followed by player cards and virtual memorabilia. Limited drops sell out in minutes, making active secondary markets where prices can 10x overnight.
Market research shows NBA and NFL collectibles dominate North American sales, while soccer NFTs rule in Europe and South America. Cricket NFTs have become popular in Asia, particularly in India and Australia.
Getting Started Without Getting Burned
New collectors should start small, though. So, buy a few low-priced NFTs to get to know the market better. Learn each platform's dynamics – NBA Top Shot drops work differently than Sorare's gaming model.
Join Discord communities and follow Twitter accounts for your chosen platforms. Real alpha comes from community members who spot undervalued NFTs before prices spike.
The Takeaway
The sports NFT market stands at an inflection point. Major leagues turn toward technology. Athletes launch their personal collections, but fans need more than just static ones – they want experiences, access, and real use.
As blockchain tech improves and gas fees drop, expect more innovation. Season tickets as NFTs, virtual stadium experiences, and direct athlete-to-fan interactions barely scratch the surface of what's coming.
LATEST
- NEWS
- |
- ARTICLES
- |
- VIDEOS
FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK
