Serie A is tapping deeper into blockchain technology by extending its partnership with Socios.com to provide the league’s fans more benefits via digital fan tokens.
Socios, part of the Chiliz Group, teamed up with Serie A in 2021. The Italian top-flight pursued the deal to enhance fan engagement, offer followers the chance to own a piece of their club’s history by accessing Game-Scored Balls from Serie A and Coppa Italia matches.
Over the last two seasons, 188 balls were collected and redeemed by Fan Token holders of Socios’ Serie A partner clubs through the dedicated app. The balls were claimed by fans across 16 different countries spread across three continents.
As part of the partnership expansion, fans will have access to Game-Scored Balls from 100 matches this season, covering both cup competitions and league games. This represents an increase of 56 matches compared to last season.
Serie A CEO, Luigi De Siervo, said: “We are very pleased that the relationship with Socios.com can continue for another 3 years. A league as important as Serie A must continue to feed the passion that unites our fans with the protagonists of the Championship.
“Given the great success of past seasons, starting this year we will give more and more fans the chance to win goal balls, unique and original items that represent an extraordinary collector’s opportunity. Owning memorabilia of one’s favourite team’s memorable moments represents the ultimate achievement for a fan.
“From this year, moreover, by simply scanning a QR code during the match, it will be possible to receive all the information to participate in the auction to obtain the balls.”
As a new feature this season, fans will also be able to track the journey of the balls due to the introduction of a QR code, which will be shown on screen after each goal in all the territories where Serie A matches are broadcast.
The Game-Scored Balls will continue to be authenticated using Chiliz’s blockchain technology. Each ball will also be attached to a NFC chip. By scanning the chip, the owner of the ball will be able to access the Certificate of Authenticity and the footage of the goal.
Alexandre Dreyfus, Founder and CEO of Chiliz and Socios.com, added: “This partnership has played a strategic role in the journey of the Chiliz project and its vision for the future of fan engagement.
“Serie A and Socios.com have shown the sports industry some of the multiple ways in which blockchain can bring value to brands and fans. The successful Game-Scored Balls activation is just a sample of how innovation and technology can make a difference. In this new stage, we’re aiming to deliver more and even better opportunities.”
