December 09, 2021
Thanks to a name, image and likeness deal announced Thursday, Kentucky basketball will give new meaning to transition game. The NIL deal will allow fans to buy digital products — or NFTs (non-fungible tokens) — tied to UK basketball. “This is just a sports memorabilia market making the transition from the physical world to the digital word,” said Porter Grieve, the CEO of Mercury, the company that will go into business with Kentucky basketball.
The deal is with UK Coach John Calipari and 11 Kentucky players: Dontaie Allen, Sahvir Wheeler, Kellan Grady, Jacob Toppin, Keion Brooks, Lance Ware, Bryce Hopkins, CJ Fredrick, Daimion Collins, Davion Mintz and TyTy Washington. As an international player, Oscar Tshiebwe is not allowed to profit off his name, image and likeness.
Pre-registration for digital items began Thursday, Grieve said. The first digital items available for purchase on the platform are scheduled to be posted on Dec. 18, the date Kentucky plays a high-profile game against Ohio State in Las Vegas. Early registrants will receive a free NFT for signing up. Read rest here.