The Sacramento Kings NBA Franchise has officially launched a bitcoin-only marketplace on BitDazzle, a purchasing platform for online merchants that specializes in bitcoin.
The news follows the announcement that the Kings would become the first US professional sports team to accept bitcoin this past January, when the team inked a deal with Georgia-based merchant processing specialist BitPay.
The new website, KingsBitcoin.com, is a co-branded effort between the two organisations that will allow Kings fans to purchase gear, merchandise and tickets using bitcoin.
In an official statement, Kings President Chris Granger indicated that the Kings have been looking to provide more cashless transaction options to fans, and that as a result, the partnership was in line with the franchise’s larger goals.
Said Granger:
“We’re constantly looking for the next technological breakthrough that benefits the team and our fans.”
All merchandise on the site can be paid for in bitcoin. Further, those who do not have a bitcoin wallet can sign up for one via the website.
Purchasing options
At press time, a number of purchasing options were available on KingsBitcoin.com, including T-shirts, jerseys and basketballs.
The most expensive item listed was a Kings MVP Experience, which includes a limousine trip to and from the game for four, four VIP passes complete with complementary food and beverage, and four Kings polo shirts.
This item was listed for $4,500 or 10.01 BTC.
The Kings All-Access Experience, which features a locker-room tour, autographed Kings jerseys, lower-level tickets and a chance to watch pregame warm-ups with coach Michael Malone is also available for $3,500 or 7.79 BTC.
Those who select items can then checkout by first providing their details such as their address, email address and phone number.
About the partnership
Though notable for the Kings, the launch is also a first for BitDazzle.
Founded in October, BitDazzle is a partnership between San Francisco-based bitcoin wallet provider Coinbase and Cashie Commerce, an online platform that allows businesses to easily start websites or blogs.
The launch is the first on the BitDazzle enterprise platform, a new offering that lets major brands and charities quickly launch co-branded storefronts.