SportsCastr, a live-streaming platform that allows anyone to become a color commentator, announced today that the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), via its athlete-driven accelerator the OneTeam Collective, has acquired a minority stake in the company to power live, interactive video content for fans.

The Partnership

Through this partnership, active and former NFL players will use SportsCastr to provide live commentary across a wide range of professional and collegiate sports, share personal insights, and more. ACE Media, the NFLPA’s content, and production arm will collaborate with SportsCastr to produce NFL player and other athlete-driven content featured on the SportsCastr platform.

In June, SportsCastr announced FanChain, a cryptocurrency developed for the multi-billion-dollar global sports market. FanChain allows SportsCastr users to earn tokens for participating on the platform, and those tokens can then be used to unlock premium NFL player content (such as back-stage access), purchase sports tickets or merchandise, and send virtual gifts to NFL players.

Although SportsCastr is the first platform to support FanChain, the company is working with teams, media publishers and leagues to add FanChain support, with the aim of making it the ubiquitous token within the sports industry.

Andrew Schupak, CFO and Head of Strategy at SportsCastr said;

“SportsCastr enables fans to get authentic, real-time reactions and commentary from all sports fans and now, for the first time at scale, professional athletes. We’re excited to partner with the NFLPA to accelerate adoption and work together to enhance the fan experience.”

As part of this agreement, SportsCastr becomes an official licensee of the NFLPA in the categories of mobile apps and web-based platforms that allow users to discuss a variety of sports topics, including through video streams and chats.

SportsCastr is the eighth active NFLPA partner secured through the OneTeam Collective, which is designed to give innovative early-stage companies the opportunity to leverage the NFLPA’s exclusive group player rights, in exchange for equity.

Vernon Davis of the Washington Redskins, a SportsCastr investor and advisor stated;

“Fans are looking for new ways to engage with the game of football and us, the athletes. SportsCastr’s live streaming platform is a cool and fun way for fans to add their own voice to games while engaging with players in a different way. As players we see the value in sharing more of our personalities and unique content with fans and we’re excited about where this live stream tech is headed.”

Kevin April, SportsCastr CEO commented;

“In addition to viewing unfiltered live-video straight from their favorite NFL players, fans will be able to interact with them via chat and show their appreciation with sports-themed virtual gifts. SportsCastr’s partnership with the NFLPA through the OneTeam Collective is a powerful opportunity for fans to connect with athletes in a direct and meaningful way.”

About SportsCastr

SportsCastr is a live-streaming platform that allows anyone to become a color commentator. Backed by some of the biggest names in sports including NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern and Super Bowl Champion Vernon Davis, SportsCastr enables viewers to select which user they wish to have call, recap, or predict games. The Company’s FanChain cryptocurrency is designed for both SportsCastr and the global sports market, allowing users to tip broadcasters and access premium content.

About the NFL Players Association

The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989.

In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through 2020.

About NFL Players Inc.

NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFLPA, connects businesses to the power of NFL players. NFL Players Inc. creates customized business solutions for partners, through licensing, marketing strategy and player activations.

About the OneTeam Collective

The OneTeam Collective is the first athlete-driven business accelerator for innovative companies seeking to incorporate sports strategies to drive growth. OneTeam Collective is comprised of founding partners, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), BlackRock, Harvard Innovation Lab, Intel, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, LeadDog Marketing Group, Madrona Venture Group and Sports Innovation Lab.

The Collective offers access to the NFLPA’s brightest stars via licensing, marketing and content rights, research and development, funding and mentorship for product development and marketing support.

About ACE Media

Athlete Content & Entertainment Media (ACE Media) identifies and develops unique content opportunities for athletes, and leverages unparalleled access, rights and events to highlight their interests, passions, and talents, and deliver compelling sports-lifestyle content projects across a variety of platforms.

Disclaimer SportsCastr is the source of this content. Virtual currency is not legal tender, is not backed by the government, and accounts and value balances are not subject to consumer protections. Cryptocurrencies and tokens are extremely volatile. There is no guarantee of a stable value, or of any value at all. Token sales are only suitable for individuals with a high-risk tolerance. Only participate in a token event with what you can afford to lose. This press release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute investment advice or an offer to invest.