Italian soccer (football for all readers across the pond) legends AC Milan becomes the first soccer club to partner with Web3-based NFT soccer gaming platform MonkeyLeague.
Monkey League is a Play-to-Earn soccer game based on Solana that provides a high-production value gaming experience, and now Monkey League will meet the real deal on a virtual pitch.
AC Milan Monkey NFTs
The new game will see six NFT MonkeyLeague players competing against real AC Milan soccer heroes. Player rewards will depend on league performance, and players receive the Money League digital currency, MonkeyBucks ($MBS).
MonkeyLeague will collaborate closely with the Italian Champions, significantly launching a new collection of branded AC Milan NFT game assets. These assets include new MonkeyPlayers, skins and Stadiums. The first and more exclusive selection will go to auction on October 6th on MagicEden, with the NFTs going to the highest bidders.
Furthermore, a collection of highly valuable AC Milan MonkeyPlayers will come with a physical jersey signed by the entire Club.
In addition, MonkeyLeague will launch its initial MonkeyPlayer NFT breeding season in partnership with AC Milan. Branded assets can randomly emerge through breeding, and additional NFTs will be available, including in-game Stadiums and land.
Premier MonkeyLeague
MonkeyLeague players can enjoy a new bridge connecting Web2 and Web3. Furthermore, AC Milan fans and supporters around the globe will explore different digital experiences, bringing them closer to the Club they love.
The game will benefit from the biggest stars of the Italian champion, who will provide creative input by advising on in-game accuracy. Moreover, AC Milan will also organize sports tournaments that will bring together the best players in the game from around the world, and consequently, brilliant prizes await the winners.
“We are particularly proud to be the first football club to partner with MonkeyLeague, bringing the game to our fans around the world and offering them an innovative new way to interact with their favourite team,” –AC Milan’s Chief Revenue Officer.
#ACMilan is delighted to announce a new partnership with @TheMonkeyLeague becoming the Rossoneri's new NFT Gaming Partner ➡️ https://t.co/GoVVXFNQg6 #SempreMilan #MonkeyTrain #UnCagedGaming pic.twitter.com/VnYe3zmtwR
— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 23, 2022
Web3 E-Sports Expands
Like other e-sports ventures, such as Sorare and Sweat Economy, MonkeyLeague is attempting to attract a different target segment through real-world collaborations. Web3 allows the real and the digital to merge, and the e-sports metaverse is increasingly absorbing reality into its design.
Of course, this partnership brings to mind the famous Michael Jordan – Loony Tunes collaboration from Space Jam! If the NBA can join with Warner Bros., it isn’t such a leap to see monkeys playing against Rafael Leão or Yacine Adli. And it’s happening all over the metaverse.
The Game Plan
AC Milan Leads 1st Breeding Season
AC Milan will lead MonkeyLeague’s initial Breeding Season!
Live Auction For Iconic Retro Limited Edition AC Milan Monkey NFTs
The partnership kicks off with a Live Auction on Magic Eden on October 6th. An auction for 16 of the most iconic, Limited Edition Retro AC Milan MonkeyPlayer NFTs, stacked with sick looks and game skills that will make any competitor run off the field — a collector’s or game player’s dream!
Win An LE AC Milan Monkey NFT
To celebrate, MonkeyLeague is raffling off one Limited Edition AC Milan MonkeyPlayer NFT. Follow MonkeyLeague on Twitter, retweet this tweet and tag three friends to be eligible.
Conclusion: Web3 Welcomes AC Milan
AC Milan has already dipped its soccer star toe into the crypto market. The Club debuted its NFT campaign in 2021 with Chiliz, which ensures fans receive the AC Milan Token ($ACM) as a reward.
AC Milan has been a powerhouse throughout the history of soccer (football). To summarize their achievements, 18 international trophies and 19 league titles make the Rossoneri one most prolific soccer clubs in the world.
Altogether, this is an e-sports partnership to get really excited about.
“This new partnership marks a significant new growth phase for the entire MonkeyLeague community and fits perfectly in MonkeyLeague’s mission to bridge web2 and web3. For AC Milan, the new partnership with MonkeyLeague is part of a more comprehensive Web 3.0 strategy that sees the Club working with experts to create unique digital experiences for its fans, which aim to give them more access, and more ownership and bring them even closer to their beloved Club.” – Monkey League Medium
Get ready for kick-off, everybody! It’s sure to be a memorable game with Monkeys running about tackling some of the world’s best players.
