Esports organization Team Liquid announced Wednesday a multi-year collaboration with Mysten Labs, original creator of the Sui blockchain, to build a new fan loyalty platform and NFT collectibles experience.
The long-running esports team, which fields competitors in games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike, plans to relaunch its existing fan loyalty program, which rewards fans with points for their support of the organization.
Under the new platform that’s set to launch in Q2 2024, Team Liquid fans can earn unique NFT collectibles that let them customize avatars representing the organization’s mascot, Blue. These collectibles can also unlock exclusive benefits and experiences for fans, such as discounts, event access, giveaway opportunities, and “special access to players and teams,” a Mysten Labs representative told Decrypt’s GG.
“Real fandom doesn’t happen in a single moment. It needs to be nurtured and sustained through experiences that strengthen the tether between team and fan,” said Claire Hungate, Team Liquid president and COO, in a release. She added that the Sui platform will help fans “[deepen] their engagement with Team Liquid, our players, and our teams.”
Team Liquid and Mysten Labs will also work together on marketing programs, including livestreams and other content around crypto games on Sui.
The esports organization is no stranger to the crypto world. Team Liquid is sponsored by major crypto exchange Coinbase, and has also collaborated with the creators of crypto game Illuvium—which uses Ethereum scaling network Immutable X—to advise on development and help create a competitive scene around it.
Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of AI. Edited and fact-checked by Andrew Hayward.