The mechanics: In addition to holding shares, the platform facilitates direct competition between users based on specific player matches.
- Daily head-to-head matches pit specific players against each other, such as Jaylen Brown versus Kawhi Leonard.
- Users predict which player will have the better statistical line in a “winner take all” format.
- Thompson wants to increase fan engagement by encouraging viewers to watch live games to track their investments.
The context: Thompson believes the platform caters to an online culture that wants to monetize its sports knowledge.
- The goal is to give users and hardcore fans a place where they can prove that their insights are greater than those of TV analysts and their friends.
- The system uses leaderboards to let users “flex” their basketball IQ and prove they are the “smartest in the room” compared to their peers.
- Thompson argues that modern culture has changed almost everything in a competition or market.
Tristan’s opinion: Speculation aside, Thompson sees the platform as a reputation engine for the next generation of sports media personalities.
- He envisions top performers using their verifiable track records in the chain to launch independent livestreams and build social followings.
- The goal is to enable creators to “become more popular than the guys on ESPN” by proving that they are part of the culture.
Thompson says the drive to compete is innate, but Web3 tools now allow fans to fund it. “Now I think we’re realizing that almost anything can be a form of competition where you can make money and create a market where people can make money,” Thompson said.