Player Tokens Inc. is betting that digital assets and blockchain technology will reshape the way sports fans buy and sell rare collectibles. The Seattle startup came out of stealth mode in August, revealing its “crypto-collectible service” that puts a new spin on the traditional baseball card and owning collectibles. The company, backed by Madrona Venture Group, last month signed a deal with the Major League Baseball Players Association to sell digital “tokens” featuring real MLB players. Packs of tokens, priced from $5.99 to $8.49, can be purchased with a credit card. Player Tokens said its product is the first crypto-collectible… Read More
As Russell Wilson describes the ethos of his new startup, it feels like you’re inside his Seahawks huddle, driving down the field in the fourth quarter. His words become sharp; the focus increases. You can hear the passion in his voice as the NFL star quarterback pumps you up and locks you in. “We all have our heroes,” Wilson told GeekWire in an interview last week. “No matter how successful or aspirational you want to be, we all have them, someone that we look up to. Those people can inspire us and make an impact — and we want TraceMe… Read More
For an NFL player, there is a lot more to life than what goes on in between the sidelines on Sundays. Sure, competing in the world’s premier football league is a remarkable achievement. But being a professional athlete also provides numerous business-related opportunities for both current and retired players alike. Yet for many, the chance to maximize their value and influence — whether it’s inking a marketing deal, investing in a startup, or even joining a company as an employee — can sometimes be a difficult process. That’s where the NFL Players Association wants to help. The NFLPA, the union for NFL players, today launched… Read More
