Two years after other major sports leagues entered the NFT space, the National Hockey League (NHL) makes its mark with NHL Breakaway, a collaboration with Sweet, a platform known for NFT collectibles.

NHL Breakaway

NHL Breakaway, previously in beta, now opens its doors to the public, changing how fans engage with hockey. This platform allows fans to collect, trade, and display digital versions of video highlights minted on the Polygon network, an Ethereum scaling solution, providing a unique fan experience.

Sweet, a platform tailored for NFT collectibles, leads this collaboration. While specific details of the deal remain undisclosed, David Lehanski, NHL’s Executive VP of Business Development & Innovation, expresses excitement about the launch:

“We’ve been committed to developing digital collectibles designed for the NHL, wholly focused on connecting with hockey fans in the most authentic manner.”

Series 1 Starter Pack

NHL Breakaway kicks off with the Series 1 starter pack, priced at $19. The pack contains six NFT collectibles, featuring memorable moments from players like Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. With 5,000 packs available, it's a coveted item for fans and collectors alike.

The NHL Breakaway platform fosters a community among hockey fans. Collectors can engage in the Trade Lounge, showcase their fandom through public profiles, and participate in challenges for real-life rewards. This gamification adds an extra layer of engagement, encouraging fans to actively participate in the digital collectible ecosystem.

Drawing inspiration from platforms like NBA Top Shot and NFL All Day, NHL Breakaway’s collectibles are based on actual video highlights, offering a rich, immersive experience for collectors. Multiple camera angles and audio components enhance the viewing experience.

Milestone for NFT Sports

NHL Breakaway's launch is not only a milestone for the league but also for the sports collectibles market. It signifies the trend of major sports leagues integrating digital collectibles into their marketing and fan engagement strategies, mirroring the success seen in other sports.