KEY POINTS

  • Blockchain-based soccer game Sorare announced it has added players from the Major League Soccer
  • Built on the Ethereum blockchain, Sorare puts users to the task of managing teams of players to compete against other managers in different fantasy soccer divisions
  • The deal is between Sorare and the Players Association, so the players' MLS teams are not represented in the game

The Blockchain-based soccer game Sorare announced it has added players from the Major League Soccer (MLS), allowing users to collect tokenized versions of pro-soccer player cards to build their own collection or fantasy lineups.

The deal was made between Sorare and the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) together with OneTeam Partners, which manages the athletes’ commercial licensing rights. While the partnership effectively added more than 700 players to Sorare, it did not include the Major League itself so teams were not represented in the game by the players.

This is the first time a soccer organization in the United States entered into a deal wth Sorare. Players from MLS will join those from popular clubs like Juventus, Lyon, Atletico Madrid, as well as Belgium’s Jupiler League and South Korea’s K League which are already on the platform.

In a statement, MLSPA said the partnership is an opportunity as the MLS audience continues to grow. “We are excited to be a part of giving fans the opportunity to engage with their favorite players in a new digital landscape,” MSPA COO Dan Jones said.

OneTeam Partners chief product officer Henry Lowenfels recognized the important role of blockchain in the future of collectibles. “We believe blockchain will play an important role in the future of collectibles, and through Sorare’s innovative fantasy experience, fans can collect, manage and own digital cards representing all their favorite players forever,” he said in a statement.

Built on the Ethereum blockchain, Sorare puts users to the task of managing teams of players to compete against other managers in different fantasy soccer divisions. The game’s cards are authentic and unique, guaranteed by the blockchain.

Every season, Sorare only issues one unique player card, ten Super Rare, and 100 Rare cards, increasing the value for popular player cards. For example, Sorare said one Christiano Ronaldo player card was sold for more than $3,100 on the platform.

The news was announced ahead of Major League Soccer’s return in July. The tournament will feature all the teams that will play without an audience at the Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

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Carlos Vela is one goal away from MLS history. Reuters
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