Atlanta Hawks Set to Auction First NFT Collection Featuring Beloved Mascot

The NBA team Atlanta Hawks is set to release its first NFT collection of “Harry the Hawk” which was done in collaboration with Atlanta-based technology company GigLabs. This collection features 40 unique hand-drawn images of the team’s mascot and will be up for auction on March 14.

As with any NFT auction, the winning bidder will ultimately own one of the unique tokens. However, specific pieces of the Harry the Hawk collection will also come with certain perks. “Introducing the Harry the Hawk NFT Collection! This limited-time drop featuring 40 unique images of Harry the Hawk is next week! Some NFTs include exclusive benefits, only available to NFT holders,” tweeted the official Atlanta Hawks account.” Among these benefits include a $500 gift card to the team’s official store Hawks Shop, a signed jersey from one of the players, as well as exclusive in-person experiences.

“We strive to continue enhancing the way we engage with our global fanbase,” explained Steve Koonin, Hawks CEO. “As we launch these one-of-a-kind NFTs, we are thrilled to provide fans with opportunities and experiences that are unique and have never before been possible.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with Atlanta-based GigLabs as we launch our first set of NFTs,” added Hawks’ Senior Director of Innovation and DEI Impact Jennifer Choi. “As we prepare for the inevitable penetration of blockchain, we are excited to start providing opportunities for the next generation of Atlantans to influence our long-term strategy.”

The team’s partner for the project, GigLabs, was started in 2017 to provide brands with white-labeled — or an unbranded template — end-to-end application programming interface (API) technology allowing them to launch NFT storefronts and marketplaces. The company’s mission is focused on empowering brands to reinforce their intellectual property to generate additional revenue streams, ramp up customer engagement, and offer more value to their fans through the strategic use of NFTs. GigLabs primarily works with brands, agencies, and creators to supply them with easy-to-use tools for generating, minting, and selling NFTs.

Source: Sports Illustrated