One of the most successful teams in the Netherlands, AZ Alkmaar, has struck a partnership with a local cryptocurrency exchange. The Dutch crypto exchange, Bitcoin Meester, is now an exclusive partner of the soccer team. As part of the deal, the soccer team will receive some of the funds in Bitcoin.
The soccer team announced its partnership with Bitcoin Meester on its official website. Bitcoin Meester will become the club’s promoter, and part of the sponsorship amount will be paid in Bitcoin. Additionally, the team said it will hold the received BTC on its balance sheet.
AZ Alkmaar Becomes First Soccer Club to Operate with BTC
AZ Alkmaar will become the first Dutch club to make such a move. The team’s Commercial Director Michael Koster explained the reasons behind the deal:
“The cryptocurrency market is booming, with the exponential growth of users in recent years. That is appealing, but it is precisely in a new market that some direction is important. Not everyone is already familiar with cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin Meester is able to responsibly guide new users in this world.”
The CEO of Bitcoin Meester also noted that sports and soccer, in particular, are important markets today because of the huge fan base individual clubs have. He further stated that the collaboration with AZ Alkmaar was strategic as it opens a door of opportunity to introduce digital currencies to AZ supporters and other football fans across the country.
Crypto and Soccer Keep Creating New Relationships
The sports industry has realized the potential that blockchain and cryptocurrencies can bring to monetize fan engagement and attract sponsors and deals in the blockchain space. Fans can use cryptocurrencies to purchase tickets and merchandise. Football clubs can also pay their player’s wages and transfer fees.
A few months ago, Bayern Munich, struck a partnership with Sorare, an Ethereum-based fantasy soccer digital platform. The German football club joined the long list of football teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid.
Other football clubs have created fantasy cards and NFTs of their legends using the blockchain platform to generate more revenue for the club.
