The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has partnered with metaverse developer MeetKai to launch a new virtual world this winter. MeetKai has collaborated with THINK450, the NBA Players Association’s partnership and innovation division, to develop the metaverse experience. They have previously created virtual experiences with the Drone Racing League and NBA team, the Charlotte Hornets. […]
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has partnered with metaverse developer MeetKai to launch a new virtual world this winter.
MeetKai has collaborated with THINK450, the NBA Players Association’s partnership and innovation division, to develop the metaverse experience. They have previously created virtual experiences with the Drone Racing League and NBA team, the Charlotte Hornets. The experience was showcased earlier this week at CES.
During the event, held in a meeting room at The Venetian Expo, visitors had the opportunity to explore some of the main features. One of the highlights was a virtual replica of The Brotherhood Deli, an in-person fan pop-up shop that debuted on the concourse of the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Using MeetKai’s metaverse platform and AI-enabled digital twin technology, the ‘bodega-inspired’ store features a shoppable wall of player-endorsed brands and limited-edition player-inspired merchandise.
According to MeetKai, fans can enter the virtual world experience through their mobile device or web browser. Within this virtual world, they can browse and try on merchandise and products from brands related to the NBPA. These products can then be virtually shipped to their homes.
As part of the experience, users can also personalise 3D realistic avatars and interact with avatars of NBPA members and other fans.
Throughout the season, fans can expect additional experiences such as virtual meet and greets with players, a media lounge featuring exclusive content, and gamified contests where they can win prizes.
“At MeetKai, we’re honoured to power the NBPA’s first-ever metaverse experience, allowing fans to engage with their favourite athletes like never before,” said James Kaplan, MeetKai co-founder and CEO.
THINK450 president Que Gaskins added that by expanding NPBA’s pop-up into the metaverse, it was able to “provide proximity and access to a larger audience while building a community where fans and players can engage on a deeper level”.
After a series of fraud cases and the cryptocurrency market crash in the previous year, retail-based metaverse rollouts and brand-based NFT launches went quiet in 2023. However, the sports industry continued to dabble in the concept.
In November of last year, for example, Formula 1 trackside retailer V12 launched a limited edition range of mini helmets containing a digital chip acting as a digital passport to verify ownership — though they weren’t referred to as NFTs.
