AFL launches first NFT collection, Ripper Skipper

The AFL has released its first non-fungible token collection through its official NFT brand, AFL Mint.

The collection is called Ripper Skipper and will feature captains from each team in the AFL plus showcasing moments from the 2021 season.

This release follows the five-year metaverse deal the sporting league signed with BeMedia, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands in April this year.

Users who joined the allowlist are able to make purchases during this first NFT drop; the AFL Mint will open fully to the wider public on 24 August.

There are 78 moments in total to collect, featuring the captains from the 18 teams in the Australian Football League and showcasing different highlights from the 2021 Season.

 Kylie Rogers, executive general manager customer and commercial at AFL said, “The Ripper Skippers collection celebrates the incredible leaders in our game, with all 18 AFL captains minted as our first official NFTs.

“Through our AFL Mint brand, we will launch exciting new moments across our Men’s and Women’s competitions, plus celebrate past greats and other product releases that will bring a unique fan experience we haven’t seen before.”

The NFTs of Ripper Skipper 2022 have been launched to members of the public who had signed up to the allowlist, selling for $49 for a surprise three-pack.

AFL Mint allows fans to own, collect and trade their favourite elements of the game and support their favourite teams and players. The program will develop to merge online experiences in the metaverse with real life experiences on game day such as ticketing and membership upgrades, chances to win tickets to major games, prizes, virtual reality experiences within the grounds on game day.

Jordan Fogarty, founder and CEO of Be Media said, “We are excited to launch the first season-based NFT project in Australia, and to allow fans to own a slice of our Aussie game through these AFL Mint moments.”

Yat Siu, the co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands said, “Animoca Brands is excited to offer big Australian Brands like the AFL the chance to enter our global ecosystem and explore the exciting opportunities presented by the emerging open metaverse.”

Other collectable releases are in the works for the AFL Mint program, including AFLW Ripper Skipper, and the AFL Mint Marketplace will be coming next year.

AFL Mint will continue to grow and evolve by creating unique and engaging experiences for AFL fans that are not merely collectibles but also offer relevant utility.

Fans will be able to experience exclusive game day events, tickets, unique AFL Mint-only content, and even hang out with their favourite players in the metaverse.