Ebay launched it first NFT sports collections

The new collection pays tribute to iconic hockey player Wayne Gretzky

This week, eBay announced its first non fungible token ( NFT ) collection of field hockey star Wayne Gretzky in partnership with the NFT platform OneOf. The company’s new “Genesis” NFT Collection will feature 3D and animated interpretations of the iconic athletes featured on Sports Illustrated covers over the years.

The Sports Illustrated NFT collection references the original collectible fashions of yesteryear: action figures. This 1982 “Sportsman of The Year” cover showcases Gretzky coming off an unprecedented third straight MVP as the new NHL record holder for most goals in the season.

According to the Blockword portal, it was not immediately clear from the information shared on both portals whether eBay or OneOf had secured the rights to reuse the Sports Illustrated images. A spokesperson for both parties did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The collection has 299 separate NFTs, with thirteen “limited-edition” digital collectibles pertaining to a tier-based system within the usual green, gold, platinum, and diamond tiers. 

Additional releases of OneOf’s NFT series of sports legends, repurposing iconic Sports Illustrated covers, will run through the rest of the year in partnership with eBay, the companies said.

“Through our partnership with OneOf, eBay is now making coveted NFTs more accessible to a new generation of collectors everywhere,” said Dawn Block, the vice president of collectibles, electronics and home at eBay, in a statement. “This builds upon our commitment to deliver high-passion, high-value items to the eBay community of buyers and sellers.”

About OneOf

OneOf is a new, Green NFT platform built specifically for the music, sports & LifeStyles community and designed to break down economic barriers to entry. The platform serves to connect people and collectors.

The platform has several different «Tiers» of NFTs available, in increasing rarity: Green, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and OneOf. The rarity and content amongst NFTs in each tier varies, with different exclusive benefits.The OneOf tier IS the most exclusive and contains just 1 edition of an artist’s NFT.