Top 5 titans of NFT loyalty programs

The future of fandom? It’s here and it’s way better than autographed jerseys. Explore 5 creative programs that are redefining the NFT game!

NFTs have become a viable option for success in any domain with a fan base. The technology enables artists, musicians, sports players, and others to wrap their digital goods in code and put them up for sale.

That way, the process mimics the traditional art markets and other marketplaces in a fully digital and decentralized way.

With unique benefits for both fans and creators, NFTs offer a new way to connect. We’ve identified what we believe are the most original NFT loyalty programs across various industries, all leveraging Web3 to engage with their fans and users.

1. NBA Top Shot: Redefining sports collectibles

Imagine every game-winning shot you’ve ever screamed at the TV, all captured as NFT-based digital memorabilia. These trading cards are rare, unique, and 100% owned by the collector.

Imagine adding that kind of engagement for basketball lovers beyond couch potato game-watching. At home. By the TV. Like animals. Instead, one can own a piece of the action while still yelling at the referee from home.

Benefits for fans:

• Actual ownership of history-packed moments that can never be duplicated.
• Easy trading of one-of-a-kind collections or single NFTs across platforms.
• Deeper emotional community vibes — think challenges, leaderboards, and friendly competitions.

Benefits for the NBA:

• Diversified income from NFT sales and marketplace fees.
• Strengthened fan loyalty through exclusive collectible experiences.
• Global fan base growth, particularly younger, more tech-savvy audiences who live for all things digital.

NBA Top Shot has redefined sports collectibles by giving fans direct ownership of memorable plays, making the fan experience more personal and interactive. It's even better than being courtside—have you ever imagined saying that?

2. Sorare: Fantasy football meets collectibles

It’s like fantasy football but on steroids. With Sorare, you can collect digital player cards — like Pokémon — except they don't collect digital dust.

These NFTs pack value, rarity, and a sprinkle of bragging rights. As you build your dream team, these cards give you serious control over your fantasy league.

Benefits for fans:

• VIP access to limited-edition player cards that have real value.
• Getting closer to the action with collectible cards that connect fans to players and teams.
• Playing like a boss with tangible rewards makes the fantasy teams feel more real.

Benefits for sports leagues and players:

• New revenue streams from the sale and trading of player NFTs.
• Enhanced fan loyalty through immersive fantasy sports experiences.
• Boosted player visibility and popularity across international audiences.

Sorare turns fantasy football into a richer, more interactive experience by giving fans ownership over their favorite players’ cards.

3. Kings of Leon: First album as an NFT ever

In 2021, Kings of Leon dropped their When You See Yourself album as an NFT—because why sell CDs when you can sell lifetime front-row seats and a personal driver in the form of bonus-packed NFTs?

Fans got more than just tunes; they unlocked everything from limited-edition vinyl to rockstar-level perks. Brilliant!

Benefits for fans:

• VIP rights with rare digital album art.
• Rockstar treatment that includes exclusive VIP concert seats and backstage memorabilia.
• Access to personalized content and physical vinyl records.

Benefits for Kings of Leon:

• Created a loyal superfan army offering proverbial cherries on top of their music products.
• Reinforced their brand as forward-thinking, embracing cutting-edge technology.
• Blending music sales with digital collectibles brought $2 million in sales from NFT releases.

Kings of Leon’s innovative NFT release flipped a script for the entire music industry, proving that engagement can be as much about tech as it is about tunes.

4. WWE: Showing Web3 biceps to the world

World Wrestling Entertainment uses NFTs to extend their muscles to the digital, decentralized ring. But it’s not just about flying elbows anymore.

With the help of blockchain, WWE fans can show their little muscles by owning and trading a piece of the action. Without the bruises, that’s the best part.

Benefits for fans:

• Access to exclusive passes and behind-the-scenes power moves.
• Iconic wrestling moments in full digital ownership of the fans.
• Closer connection with the WWE brand and fellow superfans through unique fan experiences.

Benefits for WWE:

• Record-breaking revenue from NFT sales and fan-created content.
• Expanded global reach through fan participation online.
• Increased fan loyalty through exclusive digital content.

WWE’s NFT program has body-slammed the competition, showcasing how wrestling fans can now connect and bond with the sport ever more.

5. Adidas Originals: Go big and trackSuit up!

Adidas didn’t just dip a toe in Web3 — it cannonballed in with style. Teaming up with the Bored Ape Yacht Club, gmoney, and PUNKS Comic, the iconic brand launched the Into the Metaverse NFT collection, allowing fans to own digital wearables and physical merch.

Think of it as rocking the freshest virtual gear while also slipping into a limited-edition hoodie IRL. The collection? Gone in hours — $22 million later, Adidas showed everyone else in the Web3 world how it’s done.

Benefits for fans:

• Digital wearables that work across different identity-based NFT projects.
• Dynamic NFT content and mysterious airdrops keep fans guessing and returning for more.
• Access to limited-edition physical merchandise like the Hash Hoodie and Firebird Tracksuit.

Benefits for Adidas:

• Carved out a niche in both digital and physical realms and became a trendsetter for brands leveraging NFTs in fan-centric ways.
• Strengthened brand presence among younger, tech-savvy audiences who live for both digital merchandise and physical collectibles.
• Positioned itself as a leader in digital fashion where avatars and humans alike can dress up.

Adidas’ NFT strategy combines the best of both worlds, giving fans and collectors an exciting mixture of virtual and real-world fashion without any boundaries.

This forward-thinking strategy connects fans deeply with the brand’s innovation, keeping them engaged in the long-term journey. Whether you are a sneakerhead or a techie — it’s exciting, right?

The giants do it — why not you, too?

NFTs are transforming fan engagement by making it interactive and seriously rewarding. From owning exclusive game mechanics to scoring some heavy VIP perks — these 5 brands prove that fans are now in the driver’s seat.

And for teams, artists, and organizations? It’s a win-win with new revenue streams and die-hard loyalty baked right in. No matter your game — sports, music, entertainment — NFTs offer a bold new way to level up your fan game in the digital era. Ready to play in the big leagues? Time to put your money where your fans are.

With Apillon’s Attendance NFTs, the power’s in their hands — exactly where it should be. Register on the platform and start building.

⧓ About Apillon

The Apillon platform serves as a unified gateway to the Web3 services provided by linked Polkadot parachains. Following the multi-chain vision, Apillon powers the transition of developers to Web3, simplifying its adoption in the real economy, and expanding its versatility as the ecosystem grows. With Apillon, Web3 services are within reach for every developer, regardless of their background and experience with blockchain technology.

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