Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency on the planet, has been infiltrating multiple industries for years. And, it has already flexed its muscles where sport and football is concerned. However, we’re now set to see something totally radical, as Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar will begin to pay their players using BTC.
Bitcoin Meester Relationship
The move by AZ Alkmaar, who finished third in the Netherlands’ top flight last season, comes as a result of their partnership with Bitcoin Meester, a cryptocurrency exchange based in the country. Next term, Bitcoin Meester will also act as the club’s official sponsor, with the company branding appearing on kits. AZ Alkmaar also suggests that funds arriving due to this agreement will appear in BTC on balance sheets.
Speaking about the decision to partner up with Bitcoin Meester, AZ Alkmaar suggests one of the reasons is because “the cryptocurrency market is booming.” But that their decision to work alongside the cryptocurrency exchange is because it’s a “new market” and that “not everyone is already well familiar with cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin Meester is able to guide new users in this world in a responsible manner.”
Bitcoin Is The Future
There is somewhat of a belief at AZ Alkmaar that Bitcoin is very much the future, after penning a deal until 2024. To show their confidence in the crypto, AZ said, “Both AZ and Bitcoin Meester are confident in the future of Bitcoin. That is why part of the sponsorship amount is paid in digital currency. AZ will leave this on the balance sheet during the collaboration and is the first Dutch club to do so.”
AZ Alkmaar will likely attempt to get everyone around the club involved with what they’re doing, especially supporters, who could be offered community tokens, for example. AZ mentions how there is a determination to work with and engage fans further, which could be a fantastic method to make that happen. Other clubs that have got involved in the crypto scene have followed the bespoke token model.
Growing Trend Across All Sport
Something that will work in AZ’s favour is that Bitcoin Meester is a regulated exchange hailing from the Netherlands, of which there are few. However, it’s estimated that upwards of 700,000 people living in the country are investing in crypto in some way, shape or form, and now that one of the largest football clubs in the Netherlands has adopted Bitcoin, it could propel the popularity of cryptocurrencies even further.
Recently it’s been a busy period for cryptocurrency exchanges and companies to begin partnerships with the sporting world, be it sporting personalities, teams, or organisations. For example, the UFC signed off on a $175 million deal with Crypto.Com, which will begin this weekend at UFC 264 when Conor McGregor returns to the octagon against Dustin Poirier.
NFL icon Tom Brady has also shown his hand by buying a substantial multi-million dollar share in FTX. While Formula 1, one of the world’s wealthiest sports, will also work with Crypto.Com in a deal worth $100 million. The cryptocurrency and mainstream universes are colliding, and there is no stopping them.