Polygon blockchain partners with DraftKings NFT marketplace

Polygon, a Blockchain Ethereum-based scaling platform on-boarding millions to Web 3.0, is collaborating with DraftKings Marketplace, a digital collectibles ecosystem built by DraftKings (Nasdaq: DKNG) for mainstream accessibility to support custom NFT drops along with secondary-market transactions.

This deal provides DraftKings Marketplace with a scalable, eco-friendly blockchain solution that enables added throughput and expanded capabilities. Also notably, DraftKings now has the option to potentially contribute to Polygon’s governance and help secure the network as a validator node with its own stake pool.

“Scalability and sustainability remain among the critical challenges of blockchain technology, so as we lay the groundwork today for the vision of DraftKings Marketplace tomorrow, the vast insights and proven products from Polygon around scalable solutions are invaluable,” said Paul Liberman, co-founder and president of global product and technology at DraftKings. “Although DraftKings Marketplace is still in its nascency, we are bullish on the possibilities that blockchain, NFTs, cryptocurrency and more will present as we prepare for Web 3.0 alongside Polygon and the new innovations ahead for digital collectibles.”

With the option of becoming a validator, DraftKings would be able to participate in the proof-of-stake consensus protocol for the Polygon blockchain main network to produce blocks, join Polygon’s governance and contribute to network security as a leader in Polygon’s future. Since launching in early August, DraftKings Marketplace has already hosted Autograph’s Preseason Access Collection NFT drops of iconic athletes featuring Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles and Derek Jeter, all of which sold out almost immediately. DraftKings Marketplace is available to millions of registered DraftKings customers across the U.S. and Canada, and these collectors will eventually have the ability to transfer purchased NFTs to their own wallets on Ethereum Mainnet.

“Leveraging Polygon’s technology, DraftKings will be able to expand the variety and capabilities of DraftKings Marketplace for an enhanced user experience with even more exclusive content and drops, said Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder at Polygon. “DraftKings Marketplace already provides fans and collectors with a seamless way to buy and resell authentic digital collectibles within a highly accessible ecosystem, so we look forward to being part of its continued growth.”

Through the launch of Polygon Studios earlier this summer to boost awareness and adoption of NFTs, the Polygon brand has further expanded into the blockchain gaming and NFT space. Polygon’s infrastructure supports over 100,000 blockchain gamers along with top Web 3.0 games and metaverses that all contribute to high-quality gaming experiences. Teaming up with DraftKings Marketplace marks the latest major integration for Polygon alongside existing partners that include Atari, Decentraland, OpenSea, The Sandbox, ZED RUN, Neon District and others.