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$180k

Raised through the sale of digital collectibles, a record at the time. 

‘1 of 1’ 

Digital collectible Bobby Bonilla contract created and sold

Our client, Bobby Bonilla, a legendary baseball figure, is celebrated annually on Bobby Bonilla Day – July 1st – when the New York Mets pay him a significant deferred payment as part of a unique contract agreement. Although Bonilla last played for the Mets in 2001, his deferred salary payments (including accrued interest) continue to be paid every July 1st through 2035. Bobby was looking to leverage this iconic moment to strengthen fan engagement through innovative digital collectibles in the form of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).

Challenge

The challenge was to utilize emerging technologies like blockchain to create digital collectibles hosted as NFTs that could enhance the Bobby Bonilla Day experience. The goal was to deliver an engaging, easy-to-use platform that would appeal not only to crypto-native users but also to casual fans unfamiliar with blockchain technology. The platform needed to offer utility, exclusivity, and added value to collectors, while simplifying the purchasing process and ensuring wide accessibility. 

Solution

Orion partnered with Bobby Bonilla to launch a series of NFTs, including a digital “1 of 1” version of the famous contract. A frictionless purchasing platform was developed, allowing fans to bid on the digital collectibles directly with credit cards, eliminating the need for a crypto wallet. In addition to the digital assets, exclusive benefits were offered to buyers, such as signed memorabilia, virtual and in-person experiences, and VIP access to Bobby Bonilla Day 2023. 
  

The tech stack included WordPress, Adobe XD, Google Analytics, HTML5, and Polygon Matic blockchain. 

Impact

The auction of the “1 of 1” NFT contract, combined with physical memorabilia, generated $180,000 in sales — setting a record at the time for sports digital collectibles. This initiative not only brought fans closer to the legacy of Bobby Bonilla Day but also demonstrated how digital collectibles can create meaningful engagement and new revenue streams within the sports industry.

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