The National Football League (NFL) has announced a partnership with the NFLPA and next-generation gaming technology company, Mythical Games, to create a play-and-own NFT video game, NFL Rivals.

The game, which is set to launch in early 2023, will give fans the chance to be the general manager by building, leveling and improving their line-ups, and then competing against others with their rosters.

Additionally, the game will allow players to own, collect and trade non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of their favourite players.

Commenting on the partnership, NFL senior vice-president of consumer products, Joe Ruggiero, said: “With the rise of blockchain technology, we are thrilled to partner with Mythical Games on a blockchain-enabled game that delivers new play-to-own NFT capabilities, creating a new adventure for fans who love to play football games.”

“The interest in NFTs and video gaming amongst current and prospective fans continues to grow and combined have accelerated the NFL’s exploration of new gaming models that can deliver an unmatched experience to fans.

NFL Players inc. vice-president consumer products and strategy, Terése Whitehead, added: “NFTs are revolutionizing the fan experience, and we’re excited to collaborate with the imaginative team at Mythical Games to create a whole new blockchain-based world in which NFL players take centre stage.”

On NFTs in the game, Mythical chief creative officer, Jamie Jackson, said: “Partnering with the NFL to drive new fan and player engagement through fresh game design and the benefits of Web3 is an exciting moment for us.”

“NFTs with utility can add value to players in-game, and we can’t wait to bring these concepts to NFL Rivals to evolve the team management genre by adding the advantages of play-and-own games, offering the community new ways to engage with their favorite teams and players both in and outside this virtual world,” Jackson said.

The announcement comes after 888sport continued its partnership with the NFL in the UK and Ireland.