ASX Sports, the virtual sports trading platform, has signed a long-term deal with RugbyPass, the international over-the-top digital media platform owned by Sky New Zealand, through which the pair will offer global rugby NFT fantasy gaming.
Under the terms of the agreement, ASX technology will utilise RugbyPass data to deliver real-time gamification of live sports to the RugbyPass audience, which amounts to more than 10 million.
The production of NFTs offers fans a new way to engage in the sport, with ASX’s Sports NFT Exchange, which is described as resembling a virtual stock market, “creating a unique second screen and OTT experience in which fans can enhance the value of their player portfolios via live, any-time ‘trading’, including in-game.”
Neil Martin, chief executive at RugbyPass, said: “Through NFTs, we have together built a fresh product-line with a singular focus on what makes rugby supporters tick, further emboldened by the unique data sets and insights provided by our acquisition of Sports Analytics.
“This collaboration complements our wider ambitions and focus on digital services, and we will explore further opportunities to develop and foster communities based on rich, actionable content."
Paddy Power, president of ASX, added: “We offer the entire sports value chain new dimensions in commercial opportunities and brand loyalty across the growing facets of fantasy sports globally. We're thrilled to team with RugbyPass to bring our technology and offering to a rapidly evolving market that is ripe for further disruption.”
RugbyPass has an extensive rugby partnership portfolio, which includes the likes of New Zealand’s Steinlager Series and Super Rugby Aotearoa and North America’s Major League Rugby.
