BYU, Web3 Developer Launch Fan Engagement Platform Through NFTs
Aug 16, 2022, 9:14 AM
BYU AD Tom Holmoe discussed the 2023 Big 12 football schedule. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
PROVO, Utah – BYU athletics and Web3 Developer Ocavu have launched the world’s largest fan engagement platform through NFT experiences.
The domain is CougsRise.com.
#BYU launched https://t.co/AhfbCE3E9E. An NFT marketplace that can benefit both the school and BYU student-athletes in the NIL era.
Here's an example of an NFT, that fans can now purchase.@kslsports pic.twitter.com/0KWGytSR6O
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 16, 2022
Each NFT experience purchased through CougsRise.com will benefit BYU student-athletes and the BYU Athletic Department.
“The launch of CougsRise.com allows unprecedented access for the most loyal fans in the country and creates the opportunity for Cougar student-athletes to earn money in an NCAA-compliant and easy way is game-changing,” said BYU associate athletic director for corporate sponsorships Casey Stauffer. “With the fall season starting shortly, we’re excited for fans to earn amazing experiences and continue to deepen their connection with BYU Athletics.”
The big question is, what is an NFT?
What is an NFT?
NFT stands for Non-fungible token. Which basically means it’s a one-of-a-kind item.
CougsRise.com launched on August 16 and immediately has NFTs of high-profile BYU football players such as tight end Isaac Rex and offensive tackle Blake Freeland. They also have a “Kickoff series pack” for $24.99. Only 3,000 are available to purchase making the exclusive nature of the NFTs more valuable.
According to Ocavu, was named one of the 5,000 fastest growing companies by Inc. in 2022, fans will be able to redeem NFTs for real-life experiences that include watching the football team warm up, running the team out of the tunnel on game day, or hitting the links with the golf team.
“From the beginning, our discussions with BYU made it clear that Web3 can be a game changer for NIL deals,” said Ocavu CEO, Jon Cheney. “Both organizational recognized the value of creating real-world utility with Web3, as opposed to just using Web3 for the sake of Web3. This is now transforming how universities can approach NIL deals. BYU is showing that a university can put student-athletes and fans first and create an even deeper connection within its community in the NIL era.”
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Along with NFTs of current players and other real-life experiences, fans will also have the chance to display many artifacts from BYU’s storied history in athletics in 3D and augmented reality. Ocavu began working on the AR piece in the springtime and gave teasers of their work.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
