eBay jumps on the NFT bandwagon, teams up with Web3 platform OneOf to launch digital collectibles of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky as NFTs

The non-fungible token (NFT) gold rush is heating up. Previously written off as a fad by many including us, the NFT market has now surpassed $20 billion. In 2021 alone, NFT collectors and traders spent $22 billion on NFTs, up from $100 million in 2020, according to the Guardian.

The demand for NFTs continues to soar as tech heavyweights like Visa and other big tech companies joined the NFT revolution. Now, eBay, the world’s premier marketplace for stuff and things, is making its first foray into the NFT space and threw its hats into the ring and jumped on the NFT train.

Yesterday, eBay announced it has partnered up with Web3 platform OneOf, to release Sports Illustrated x of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky collection of NFTs. As part of the partnership, eBay said it will launch 13 limited-edition digital collectibles, each of which contains a 3-D animated rendering of Gretzky making one of his signature moves on the ice.

In a statement, Dawn Block, vice president of collectibles, electronics and home at eBay, said: “NFTs and blockchain technology are revolutionizing the collectibles space, and are increasingly viewed as an investment opportunity for enthusiasts. Through our partnership with OneOf, eBay is now making coveted NFTs more accessible to a new generation of collectors everywhere.”

OneOf also took to social media to promote the NFTs. “Guess what?! We’re bringing NFTs to your favorite marketplace! Shop @WayneGretzkyx @SInow now available on @eBay ! 👀 ➡️https://ebay.com/str/oneofnfts⬅️ #polygon #ebay,” OneOf tweeted.

NFTs are a type of digital token on blockchain that represents a unique digital asset. They are created to track ownership of a virtual item. These assets can either be entirely digital assets or tokenized versions of real-world assets. Because NFTs are not interchangeable with each other, they may also function as proof of authenticity and ownership within the digital realm, for example as proof of the authenticity of rare art.

https://twitter.com/OneOfNFT/status/1528730873243262980

In a statement, Gretzky said, “Forty years ago, I was grateful to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, it was a monumental moment in my life. I’m honored to bring this collectible experience to my hockey fans who have followed my career for decades.”

Meanwhile, the 13 limited-edition digital collectibles are now available on eBay. NFT collectors and traders can purchase these pieces of historic digital assets directly via the eBay platform. The prices range between $10 to $1500.

OneOf is a green NFT platform built on Tezos and Polygon for music, sports, and lifestyle.