NFT Startup Sets Sights on NHL, Team Ownership

Lipsweater, a Montreal-based NFT platform that specializes in hockey, is bringing its collectibles to the NHL in the hopes of owning a franchise in the future. 

Led by former Princeton goaltender Thomas Sychterz, Lipsweater has garnered the attention of more than 30 past and present NHL players following its launch earlier this year, including the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Jake Bean and Alexandre Carrier, the Nashville Predators’ Eric Robinson, and Colorado Avalanche’s Nic Aube-Kubel. 

Lipsweater’s eagerness to work with the NHL follows the league’s embrace of NFTs. 

• Last May, the New Jersey Devils became the first team to launch a collection.
• The NHL and NHLPA signed an extension with Upper Deck that includes NFTs.
• Last December, the Montreal Canadiens opened their NFT marketplace.
• A month later, the New York Rangers launched their first NFT products.

Lipsweater has a head start toward owning an NHL franchise through its management of junior hockey team Plattsville Lakers through a DOA — the first in hockey. 

NFTs in Sports

Dapper Labs, the creator of NBA Top Shot, launched NFL All Day, a platform to buy and sell NFL-themed NFTs last November. In January, Dapper Labs launched UFC Strike, a digital collectibles marketplace with products derived from the mixed martial arts promotion.