The Professional Fighters League has unveiled a partnership with CrossTower, a leading Web3 technology company, to introduce unique NFT VIP experiences exclusively designed for PFL fans and powered by the XRP Ledger blockchain.
The NFT ticket launch will coincide with the start of the 2023 fighting season. A limited number of NFT VIP tickets will be available for the upcoming PFL Regular Season event on June 23 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Through the partnership, the PFL aims to bring a new way to engage and reward its fanbase as the promotion enters its fifth year as the fastest-growing MMA organization.
Setting itself apart with a unique sports-season format, PFL follows a structure that includes regular seasons, playoffs and championships, creating a merit-based environment akin to major sports leagues.
With a diverse roster of fighters representing over 20 countries, the PFL is available in 140 countries through 25 media partners. The PFL broadcasts live in the U.S. on ESPN and ESPN+
“We’re pleased to introduce our partnership with CrossTower to bring our PFL fans premium VIP experiences through blockchain technology.”
Peter Murray, PFL CEO
NFT ticket details
The NFT tickets are available in two tier groups, the Millionaire Club and VIP Club. Millionaire Club ticket holders will enjoy privileged SmartCage-side seating and exclusive entry to the PFL’s ceremonial weigh-in the day before the event. They also get the opportunity to meet and interact with the fighters.
Rare Millionaire ticket holders can hang around the fighter lounge with winners of the night, and Super Rare ticket holders will be allowed to step inside the PFL SmartCage for their own personalized ring walk and photo opportunity.
Meanwhile, VIP club ticket holders can reserve premium view lower-level seats. Only Rare VIP ticket holders can gain reserved seats at the ceremonial weigh-ins and meet the top fighters. Super Rare VIP ticket holders will gain backstage warm-up access as well.
Both Millionaire and VIP club members can benefit from a dedicated entrance, hospitality services within the arena, exclusive behind-the-scenes PFL content, and exclusive discounts and pre-sales for future events.
“We’re pleased to introduce our partnership with CrossTower to bring our PFL fans premium VIP experiences through blockchain technology,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray.
“NFT ticketing creates a new way for PFL fans to engage with live PFL events, combining access to buy experiences, real-world utility and digital ticketing.”
NFT ticketing in sports
PFL is not the first sports company to utilize NFT ticketing. The NFL has earlier ventured into NFT ticketing in the United States. Since its launch in November 2021, it has successfully distributed approximately 250,000 NFT tickets.
During Super Bowl LVI, the NFL introduced commemorative NFT tickets for all attendees, offering the opportunity to create personalized NFT tickets to commemorate the event. These NFT tickets were minted on the Polygon blockchain and showcased various animated visual elements.
World Rugby had initially expressed interest in NFTs in December 2021. However, the organization did not make official announcements regarding their use for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
In hosting the 2024 Olympics, Paris is considering NFT tickets to enhance crowd control and improve the spectator experience. This move follows the need for improved event management highlighted by the 2021 Champions League final, which suffered from fake ticket sales and overcrowding issues.
