FIFA launches NFT platform on Avalanche
FIFA selects Avalanche to power new blockchain for fan engagement and collectibles
FIFA has selected Avalanche to power its upcoming dedicated blockchain for digital collectibles and fan interaction, the global football body announced on May 22.
The Avalanche-based layer-1 (L1) network will support FIFA’s five billion-strong fanbase with improved speed, lower costs, and broader compatibility with Web3 tools, reports Cointelegraph.
The choice follows a detailed performance and security evaluation. “The decision was based on a rigorous analysis of key factors including performance, security, transaction fees, customizability, and scalability,” said Francesco Abbate, CEO of Modex and FIFA Collect. Avalanche’s Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility will allow smooth integration with decentralized apps and wallets, ensuring easier access and broader utility for FIFA’s blockchain initiatives.
FIFA Collect moves from Algorand to Avalanche
As part of the transition, FIFA will migrate its NFT marketplace, FIFA Collect, away from the Algorand blockchain and onto Avalanche. Algorand wallets like Pera and Defly will no longer be supported after the shift. Instead, users will be able to access the new platform using MetaMask and other EVM-compatible wallets via WalletConnect.
The migration is a major pivot for FIFA, which had previously launched its collectibles platform on Algorand ahead of the 2023 Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. While FIFA hasn’t revealed all future plans, the organization noted that several business cases tied to the Avalanche blockchain are under development but remain undisclosed.
Expanding FIFA’s digital strategy
FIFA’s move aligns with a broader Web3 expansion strategy. In late 2024, the organization teamed up with blockchain gaming studio Mythical Games to release FIFA Rivals, a free-to-play mobile soccer game featuring blockchain-based elements. Now, with the switch to Avalanche, FIFA appears to be doubling down on a scalable, user-friendly Web3 foundation.
By leveraging Avalanche’s AvaCloud, FIFA gains access to rapid deployment tools and high-throughput blockchain capabilities. This positions the organization to roll out immersive fan experiences and digital collectibles across global markets — particularly in regions with growing mobile and crypto adoption.
As sports leagues increasingly look to Web3 for engagement, FIFA’s adoption of Avalanche signals a strong bet on scalable infrastructure to connect with fans digitally, securely, and at scale.
Recently we wrote that Solana Mobile, a division of Solana Labs, has revealed its new decentralized mobile architecture, dubbed TEEPIN (Trusted Execution Environment Platform Infrastructure Network), as it prepares to ship its second crypto-enabled smartphone, “Seeker,” on August 4.
