- August 13, 2023
- Posted by: [email protected]
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The iconic Spanish football club FC Barcelona has embarked on an ambitious journey into the world of blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), securing a substantial investment of 120 million euros (approximately $132 million). This milestone initiative, known as Barça Vision, marks the culmination of FC Barcelona’s ongoing pursuit of digital innovation within the Web3 landscape.
The investment comes as a collaborative effort, with Libero Football Finance AG and Nipa Capital B.V. stepping forward as key backers of FC Barcelona’s visionary project. The transaction involves the sale of a 29.5% stake in Bridgeburg Invest, the holding company overseeing Barça Vision, in exchange for a significant capital infusion. Central to this initiative is the integration of digital content, Web3, and blockchain technologies, encompassing the dynamic realms of NFTs and the metaverse.
Barça Vision serves as a pivotal component in FC Barcelona’s overarching strategy to construct the digital Espai Barça, a visionary concept that encapsulates the club’s vision for a comprehensive digital ecosystem. This forward-looking framework aligns seamlessly with the evolving landscape of modern sports, reflecting the club’s commitment to embracing digital transformation.
Libero Football Finance AG, a German publicly listed company with a specialization in financial consultation for soccer clubs, and Nipa Capital B.V., a Dutch venture capital firm, contribute their expertise and resources to propel FC Barcelona’s Web3 venture. The investment deal is contingent upon the approval of FC Barcelona’s shareholders and is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2023.
FC Barcelona’s entry into the blockchain arena dates back to February 2020, when the club joined forces with Chiliz Blockchain to introduce Ethereum-based FC Barcelona Fan Tokens (BAR) for its passionate fan base. A significant leap forward occurred in August 2022, with Chiliz acquiring a substantial 24.5% stake in FC Barcelona’s digital content creation arm, Barça Vision, through a $100 million investment.
NFTs have also emerged as a vibrant avenue for FC Barcelona’s engagement with its global fan community. In May, the club unveiled its inaugural NFT collection titled “Unleash Your Passion,” featuring 3,000 animal-themed NFTs with a meaningful environmental twist. The proceeds from this collection are earmarked for an environmentally conscious cause: the removal of 35,000,000 kilograms of plastic from our planet.
The foray into the NFT realm culminated in a remarkable showcase of FC Barcelona’s creative prowess. In July 2022, the football club showcased its artistic finesse with the sale of its first NFT, “Masterpiece #1 In A Way,” fetching a staggering $693,000 at a Sotheby’s New York auction. This success story was followed by another triumph, as “Masterpiece #2 – Empowerment” found its digital home on OpenSea, commanding a price of $300,231 on June 28, 2023.
FC Barcelona’s fusion of sports, blockchain, and NFTs embodies an unprecedented convergence of technology, innovation, and fan engagement. With a resolute commitment to shaping the digital landscape of the sports industry, the club ushers in a new era of interaction, empowerment, and creative expression for fans worldwide.
