With licensed subsidiaries and third party providers around the world, Panini have for decades been recognised as the leaders in providing sporting collectibles in the form of trading cards. The American division have now announced that they will introduce the first officially-licensed trading cards for 100 top athletes featuring blockchain technology in January 2020.
The sporting celebrities will be drawn from multiple fields and include the likes of Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, Kobe Bryant, Barry Sanders, Peyton Manning, Neymar, Diego Maradona and Gareth Bale. Each digital card will be a unique one-of-one that will come with a physical version and include the personality’s autograph and may incorporate other items of memorabilia.
Blockchain Without Cryptocurrency
Ten cards are scheduled to be released each week and sold in an auction format on a closed Panini blockchain platform which will allow collectors to buy, sell and store their digital trading card assets.
Although Panini America have taken the step into blockchain technology they are not yet willing to adopt cryptocurrency as a payment option and will still rely on bids in U.S. dollars.
According to their press release, blockchain versions of physical trading cards for the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) are likely to follow as the secondary market sees single trades in the six figure bracket and blockchain technology “…ensures another level of authentication for Panini’s products and high value cards.”
Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America, explained the decision to use blockchain without cryptocurrency by stating, “We have spent years researching and exploring the best possible way to incorporate blockchain into our trading cards as another level of authentication – as well as the best way to introduce blockchain to sports fans and collectors… the fact that the cards will be sold in U.S. dollars rather than digital currency will help fans and collectors have a better understanding…”
