DraftKings beefs up NFT Marketplace with Polygon deal
US sports betting giant set to build scalable blockchain solution using Polygon tech for its latest venture
DraftKings has bolstered its marketplace for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) after expanding its existing partnership with ethereum-based scaling platform Polygon.
Through the partnership, the Boston-based operator will leverage Polygon’s technology to build a scalable, eco-friendly blockchain solution for DraftKings Marketplace.
The new solution enables expanded capabilities for the platform, with DraftKings also being afforded the option to contribute to Polygon’s governance as a validator.
As a validator, DraftKings would participate in the proof-of-stake consensus protocol for the Polygon blockchain network to produce individual blocks.
DraftKings would also contribute to the network’s security as a leader in Polygon’s future.
DraftKings Marketplace is the exclusive seller of sports NFTs from Autograph and is available to customers across the US and Canada.
Since launching in August, DraftKings Marketplace has run several drops of NFTs including NHL legend Wayne Gretzky and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, with the majority selling out instantly.
Paul Liberman, DraftKings president of global product and technology, said: “Scalability and sustainability remain among the critical challenges of blockchain technology, so as we lay the groundwork today for the vision of DraftKings Marketplace tomorrow, the vast insights and proven products from Polygon around scalable solutions are invaluable.”
Sandeep Nailwal, Polygon co-founder, added: “Leveraging Polygon’s technology, DraftKings will be able to expand the variety and capabilities of DraftKings Marketplace for an enhanced user experience with even more exclusive content and drops.”
In addition to partnering with DraftKings, Polygon also works with the likes of Atari, Decentraland, OpenSea, The Sandbox, ZED RUN and Neon District.