Wimbledon, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, has teamed up with professional tennis player Andy Murray to unveil an innovative non-fungible token (NFT) art project. The initiative, titled “The Exposition,” pays homage to Murray’s remarkable 18-year career at Wimbledon, incorporating captivating motion-capture sessions.
In collaboration with renowned media artist Refik Anadol and IBM’s Championships data, a team of scientists and developers has brought this fine art masterpiece to life by employing a groundbreaking algorithm that uses millions of data points from statistics, motion, audio, and visual elements.
The project, curated and produced by web3 consultancy FAN3, aims to transform the appreciation of high-performance sports data through visually impactful elements.
Those who acquire the NFT Open Edition will also gain the exclusive opportunity to buy a physical print edition of the artwork, which will be produced in collaboration with partners Avant Arte.
The NFT, built on the Ethereum blockchain, will be available for purchase until July 16, 2023, across various NFT marketplaces such as OpenSea, LooksRare, and Rarible. Each piece is priced at 0.1 ETH, equivalent to approximately $185.
Wimbledon’s foray into the realm of Web3 and NFTs follows in the footsteps of the Australian Open, which embarked on a similar journey last year in January 2022. The Australian Open released six NFT collections celebrating iconic moments in tennis history spanning from the 1970s to the 2020s. These collections included live match data-linked Art Ball NFTs.
Furthermore, in November of the same year, the Australian Open collaborated with Tennis Australia and Web3 studio Run It Wild to introduce a reward program specifically designed for Art Ball NFT holders.
Building on these successes, the Australian Open expanded its presence in the metaverse in January 2023. It ventured into Decentraland, a blockchain-based virtual world, with “AO Metaverse,” and joined the popular gaming platform Roblox with “AO Adventure.”
With Wimbledon now joining the ranks of tennis tournaments embracing Web3 and NFTs, the intersection of sports, technology, and blockchain is becoming an increasingly vibrant and innovative space. These collaborations not only enhance the fan experience but also contribute to the broader adoption and exploration of NFTs in the realm of art and entertainment.
