NBRPA’S Emergence in the World of NFT’s and Digital Collectibles

OPENING DOORS FOR LEGENDS OF THE GAME

As the world of digital assets and collectibles grows and becomes more and more part of the everyday lexicon, it was a matter of when not if the NBRPA and our legendary members would dip their toes into the Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) world. Well, the NBRPA not only dipped their toes in the digital waters, but they also took a full on headfirst dive into this new world of collectible art. In June of 2022, the NBRPA announced a groundbreaking group licensing deal with ARIA Exchange. The multi-year agreement allows ARIA Exchange to create royalty generating products, by way of its innovative Aria 360 technology, where they will create and market virtual marketing ad-campaigns to brands featuring Legends and virtual images of Legends in the form of NFT’s, through their breakthrough blockchain technology.

This robust opportunity ushers the NBRPA into the new iteration of internet technology, while leveraging Legends' Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) to best align with today’s emerging digital trends. For Legends attending the annual NBRPA Tech Summit, during the Legends Summer Getaway, they will be treated to in-depth presentations from ARIA Exchange representatives who will be on hand to inform and discuss the infinite possibilities of this innovative digital medium.

The first batch of NFT’s featuring NBRPA Legends will be available in Summer 2022 exclusively on ARIA Exchange and will include such notable names as Bill Russell, Jerry West, Karl Malone, Isiah Thomas, Chris Mullin, John Stockton, Clyde Drexler, Dominique Wilkins, Grant Hill, Hakeem Olajuwon, Earl Monroe, Elgin Baylor and many more. Not only has the legacy of these Legends been cemented on the court, throughout their illustrious careers, but now will live on forever in the world of collectible digital artwork.

Bringing one-of-a-kind collectibles into the future, ARIA Exchange has partnered with cultural leaders that offer transcendent, timeless value from generation to generation. Across a range of partnerships, including the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA), and Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA), Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the NBA Coaches Association, ARIA Exchange has the capacity to create collectibles and NFTs for over 3,000 sports legends.

For NBRPA President & CEO, Scott Rochelle, the opportunity to take our membership into the next frontier was too good to pass up. “As the demand for Legends and their one-of-a-kind collectibles skyrockets, this partnership with ARIA Exchange allows us to bring our Legends into a new and innovative marketplace, where they can serve as connoisseurs and creators of their narrative. ARIA Exchange is the ideal partner to celebrate our Legends’ accomplishments and iconic moments and provide exclusive and artistic value to fans and collectors around the world.”

For Legends, to be able to shape their narrative as creators and continue to grow their financial portfolio as their collectibles increase in value over time is at the heart of the NBRPA’s mission to continue striving for avenues to help our membership. For art collectors and basketball lovers around the world, the opportunity to invest and own a piece of basketball history is invaluable. This exciting and promising mixture of iconic sports figures and art promises to change the landscape of sports collectibles. What highly coveted autographs scribbled on a game program were – these blockchain technology masterpieces promises to be.

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