Could the U.S. Be the Next Big Proving Ground for Sports and Crypto?
On March 7, 2025, the Oval Office Crypto Summit turned heads by putting soccer front and center in the conversation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino floated the idea of a FIFA Coin to connect with the sport’s five billion fans, prompting President Donald Trump to joke that it might end up being worth more than FIFA itself. With the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the summit signaled growing interest in sports-driven digital assets—and the potential for projects like Chiliz, which has tokenized over 70 sports teams worldwide, alongside others, to embark on a U.S. expansion.
White House Crypto Summit: Soccer Steps Up
Infantino’s FIFA Coin concept tapped into a broader trend: sports organizations exploring blockchain to engage fans and unlock new revenue streams – catching attention at a time when regulatory attitudes in the U.S. seem to be softening. For soccer, this could be a pivotal moment—especially with the FIFA 2026 World Cup on the horizon. The tournament, marking its 23rd edition, will be the first to feature 48 teams across three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. As the world’s most prestigious football event grows, so does the global soccer market, valued at $55.97 billion in 2024 and at a 3.9% CAGR expected to reach $70.29 billion by 2030*.
The U.S looks keen to capitalize on this opportunity—both on and off the pitch, potentially revitalising the country’s sports blockchain scene.
*Future data stats.
Sporting chance
U.S. crypto policy is shifting, with the incoming Trump administration favoring innovation over the Biden era’s tough enforcement. The SEC’s Crypto Task Force is also clarifying securities laws, easing market entry. For sports blockchain players, this means less legal risk, better access to U.S. leagues, and a shot at the massive American fanbase—especially with the 2026 World Cup nearing. The time for key players to step up is fast approaching.
Key players
The U.S. sports blockchain footprint is relatively light as it stands. But there’s more room now for sports blockchain operators to up their game.
Fan Token creators Chiliz have history stateside with a string of partnerships with the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB that stalled due to regulatory roadblocks under the former administration. Now, with hints from CEO Alexandre Dreyfus on X about reigniting activity in the U.S., the timing could align.
Chiliz isn’t a newcomer. Since 2018, it’s been building a blockchain ecosystem tailored to sports, with Fan Tokens leading the charge. These tokens have been embraced by over 70 major teams, including FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Paris Saint Germain, Flamengo and Juventus – providing real world benefits like VIP tickets and merchandise. Earlier this year, the Juventus’ Fan Token ($JUV) hit $169 million in daily volume after Tether’s investment in the club suggesting a growing appetite for crypto officially backed by elite sports teams, one that could merge into the U.S. sports and blockchain landscape.
Flow, the blockchain powering NBA Top Shot, has amassed over $1 billion in digital collectible sales since its launch in 2020. Its success laid the groundwork for NFL All Day, which brings officially licensed NFL highlight NFTs to fans.
Sorare gamifies sports engagement by combining NFT-based player cards with fantasy sports and has expanded into U.S. leagues, including MLB and the NBA, letting fans buy, trade, and build lineups with player NFTs.
Sweet is tackling one of the sports industry’s biggest pain points: ticketing fraud. Through blockchain-based ticketing solutions, Sweet ensures secure and verifiable ownership of tickets, reducing counterfeiting risks. The Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty have leveraged Sweet’s technology, offering digital ticket stubs that not only serve as collectibles but also provide fans with exclusive perks like discounts and VIP access.
Meanwhile, Tezos is securing a foothold in sports through sponsorships and NFTs. As an official blockchain partner of the New York Mets, Tezos has integrated NFTs into fan engagement strategies, offering exclusive digital collectibles and branded experiences.
What’s next?
As regulatory shifts pave the way, sports and crypto are set to collide in the U.S. Flow, Tezos, and others are carving out their own lanes, while Chiliz has a proven track record in Europe and South America, and strong connections based on its former partnerships in the States. Success hinges on how these projects navigate a competitive landscape, but it looks like the U.S could be the next big proving ground for sports and crypto.
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