FC Barcelona raises $132 million to invest in NFT and Web 3.0

According to an announcement on August 11, Barcelona sold 29.5% of the shares of parent company Barca Vision Bridgeburg Invest in exchange for capital. The developer said Barca Vision is an initiative to integrate all digital content around Web 3.0 and blockchain such as NFTs and metaverse, which is part of the strategy to build a virtual hub for Espai Barca fans.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the current decision was a carefully considered strategy in the context of the growing demand for digital sports content, a move that will provide important resources for Barca to continue to grow.

Since February 2020, Barcelona has partnered with blockchain Chiliz to create its own Ethereum-based token, Barcelona Fan Tokens (BAR). In August 2022, Chiliz announced the purchase of a 24.5% stake in digital content creation arm Barca Vision for $100 million.

Laporta said that over the past few years, Barcelona has made significant progress in its digital ecosystem, transforming the property into a creative hub that has elevated the club’s brand to levels that are unique in the world . According to Watcher.Guru , Barca has cemented its position as a digital pioneer by leveraging its global fan base, along with a strong content strategy and partnerships.

Previously, Barcelona sold the NFT “Masterpiece #1 In A Way” for $693,000 at a Sotheby’s auction and “Masterpiece #2 - Empowerment” for $300,231 on OpenSea in 2022. NFT buyers will become Barca’s digital ambassadors, along with many benefits and VIP service experiences.

Following the success, Barcelona launched its first NFT collection with Plastiks called “Unleash Your Passion” in May 2023. The project’s website states that after purchasing an NFT for $20-30, the buyer will recycle 10-15 kg of plastic waste, equivalent to 1,081-1,621 plastic bottles. The collection of 3,000 animal-themed NFTs can process at least 1 million kg of plastic waste, contributing to environmental protection.