In recent weeks, there have been a lot of crypto sports news as cryptocurrency exchanges attempt to use sports media coverage for growth. Crypto.com (CRO) bought Super Bowl LVI airtime last week in an effort to become one of the top 20 consumer brands in the next 5 years. The news was preceded by that of a sponsorship deal with U.S female soccer team Angel City F.C, FX Markets reported.
An impressive year for the crypto market
One can’t deny that the crypto industry has had an impressive year. So has the NFL. Not only exchanges are eyeing sports, however. Players are demonstrating great interest in getting paid in crypto or receiving fiat-crypto blended salaries.
This week, several world-famous NFL players made news by asking to be paid in crypto, fully or partially. As Bitcoin and other large cryptos hit all-time highs near the end of the year, crypto adoption continues to rise. Bitcoin reached $68,958 in November before reversing gains. Growing adoption has led many analysts to be bullish for 2022. Some even predict Bitcoin will hit $100,000 next year.
The most recent news will continue to provoke interest not only in the flagship crypto, but also in altcoins.
Aaron Jones becomes FTX ambassador
Aaron Jones announced he would be taking his salary in crypto. He’s joined by Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr, Sean Culkin, and Trever Lawrence. Culkin will be taking his whole salary in bitcoin. Others will be getting endorsements in crypto or exchanging a portion of their salary for it. Jones has reportedly become an FTX ambassador.
NFL players and their historic affinity for crypto
This list of players may be impressive, but crypto salaries within the NFL are nothing new. The first player in history to take a salary in crypto was Russell Okung. He got half of his salary in bitcoin last year. Brady has 7 Super Bowl victories under his belt and is also the leading touchdown passer in the history of the league.
The impact of sports on digital assets
News of leading athletes supporting crypto can only bode well for the industry considering the NFL and its fans. Super Bowl audiences can number more than 100 million. In 2015, 114 million people watched it. There’s no way this won’t impact the crypto market.
