eBay launches its first collection of NFTs in partnership with Wayne Gretzky
2 min read
E-commerce company eBay announced on Monday the launch of its first collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The initiative is the result of a partnership between the company and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
As reported by eBay, the collection will consist of 13 limited-edition digital collectibles. The production of the tokens will be done in partnership with the Web3 and blockchain platform OneOf.
Each of the NFTs will feature a 3D animated rendering of Gretzky doing one of her signature moves on ice.
“Forty years ago, I was grateful to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It was a monumental moment in my life,” Gretzky said in a statement. “I am honored to bring this collectible experience to my hockey fans who have followed my career for decades.”
eBay is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world with 142 million buyers.
Calling all collectors, you can score our first exclusive NFT drop brought to you by @OneOfNFT with a @SInow x @WayneGretzky digital collectible. 🏒
— eBay (@eBay) May 23, 2022
Starting at $10, you can get a limited edition NFT along with bragging rights, unless you decide to sell it.#NFT #eBayExclusive
eBay enters the world of NFTs
According to eBay’s Vice President of Collectibles Dawn Block, NFTs and blockchain technology are revolutionizing the collectibles space and are increasingly seen as an investment opportunity for enthusiasts.
“Through our partnership with OneOf, eBay is now making the coveted NFTs more accessible to a new generation of collectors everywhere,” added Block.
The OneOf company claims to be a “green” NFT platform. It uses a Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchain. That is, more energy efficient compared to Proof of Work models.
Furthermore, the company – which primarily focuses on the music business – claims that more than 80% of the collections featured on its platform come from creators belonging to minority groups:
“Our software and eBay’s software will be integrated to provide a super easy NFT shopping experience for the consumer,” OneOf CEO Lin Dai told CNBC. “Our goal is to bring in the next 100 million non-crypto users. I think this partnership helps us do that.”
OneOf further said that throughout 2022, it plans to release additional NFT series featuring other iconic athletes. According to the company, each NFT has a “common fan price” starting at $10.
eBay in the world of cryptocurrencies
While this is eBay’s first collection of NFTs, this isn’t eBay’s first foray into the world of digital assets.
In February of this year, the company’s CEO, Jamie Iannone, reported that the company would start accepting payments in cryptocurrencies.
In fact, this possibility has been considered by the company’s executives since 2019. But, until today, this has not materialized.
