NBA star Dwyane Wade teams up with Budweiser Zero for NFT collection

Budweiser announced its partnership with NBA star Dwyane Wade to drop the Budverse Legends: Dwyane Wade x Budweiser Zero Edition to promote the non-alcoholic beer. The collection will be released on May 24 at 2pm ET. 

This limited-edition NFT collection features Wade’s profile on virtual tokens and curated cans and allows buyers to redeem rewards, including a virtual tour of a Wade jersey, autographed Wade sneakers, beer can and more.  

The NFTs will be launched in three versions. The Core NFT allows holders to redeem an unlimited quantity of core Dwyane Wade Decentraland jerseys. The next tier, Hero NFT will allow only 99 Hero holders to earn a limited-edition Budweiser Zero x Dwyane Wade autographed along with limited-edition Dwyane Wade themed apparel and merchandise. Finally, the Legendary NFT will get to meet with Wade himself in real life and watch a Utah Jazz game with him as well as Legendary Dwyane Wade Decentraland jersey. 

The collection will sell for US$ 180 each and proceeds will go towards creating a grant program for minority-owned businesses in underserved communities across the U.S.

Wade and Budweiser’s business plans in the Metaverse

Since Wade retired from the NBA in 2019, he signed a deal with Chinese sports apparel giant Li-Ning and engaged with several brands such as MISSION, Hisenese, BallerTV, Stance, Mars Reel and more. He teamed up with Budweiser Zero as a co-creator when the alcoholic beverage was launched in 2020. 

‘[The Budverse Legends: Dwyane Wade x Budweiser Zero Edition collection] combines three of my passions - doing social good, bringing non-alcoholic offerings to more people and helping to create unique fan experiences in the metaverse,' Wade said in a statement.

His foray into the Metaverse business signals his plans on 'building something that’s a legacy for my family', according to an interview with CNBC. 

Previous releases by Budweiser include the Budweiser Royalty NFT collection, a limited-edition of 11,000 NFTs to pay homage to the ‘kings and queens’ of emerging music and vintage packaging. Bud Light’s commercial to promote Bud Light Next that broadcasted during Super Bowl LVI was filled with Metaverse imagery.

Photo:  Budverse Legends: Dwyane Wade x Budweiser Zero