OVAL3, the world’s leading rugby Web3 specialist, will be MLR’s exclusive fantasy NFT partner.
Paris, Feb. 28, 2023 — OVAL3, the brand specializing in Web3 and fantasy rugby, was announced on Feb. 28 as the “Exclusive NFT Fantasy Game” of Major League Rugby (MLR). MLR, North America’s premier rugby league, began its sixth season on Feb 17.
By acquiring the exclusive nonfungible token and fantasy licenses of MLR, OVAL3 plans to provide world-class immersive experiences and Web3 engagement to rugby’s rapidly growing North American fanbase.
Since 2017, Major League Rugby has experienced growth in every key metric, and the league continues to attract new fans to the sport year after year. With the 2031 (Men’s) and 2033 (Women’s) Rugby World Cups awarded to the United States, the sport is poised for unprecedented North American attention in the years to come, and OVAL3 is committed to supporting MLR and its fans for the long term.
OVAL3 will take key learnings from its experience in fantasy rugby globally, most notably with the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (French League), to create MLR’s first official fantasy game. This will provide fans and gamers with a unique, immersive experience that will link rugby to NFTs and address the codes of today’s gaming on a play-and-own model.
Nic Benson, CEO of Major League Rugby, says:
“We are constantly looking for innovative ways to engage with our fans and invite new people to our exciting game. This partnership with OVAL3 is key to that initiative, and to our efforts to position the MLR among the most forward-thinking sports properties in North America.”
MLR fantasy soon to become reality.
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) February 28, 2023
Details ➡️ https://t.co/eTaTYMTzNz@Oval3_game | #MLR2023 pic.twitter.com/p09rG1DxwH
The official MLR Fantasy NFT game is expected to launch at the midway point of the 2023 MLR season. Future plans will give gamers and fans the ability to build their teams with players from both the French and American leagues. OVAL3 is paving the way for an unparalleled gaming experience, allowing more freedom of choice and strategy for different users. They are already in advanced negotiations with several other major rugby leagues ready to join the project.
ony Bouquier, CEO of OVAL3, said:
“We are very proud to have been chosen by Major League Rugby. After the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (French League), this is the second league to join us, validating our concept and confirming the relevance of our project. Our ambition is to sign, in the near future, new leagues, not only in Europe but also on other continents, in order to offer a never before seen and ever richer experience."
OVAL3 press contact:
Quentin Herbrecht
+336 89 11 84 24
MLR press contact:
Tami Howard Carr
About OVAL3
The OVAL3 brand was created in 2022 by Bamg Sports, an industry-leading company that designed and developed Fantasy Rugby World, a game that federates more than 40,000 users worldwide.
For OVAL3, Bamg Sports is composed of high-profile shareholders and associates:
- Antoine Dupont, captain of the French team and best player of the world in 2021
- ERA2140, a venture Web3 studio for technical development
- Markchain, a communication agency dedicated to Web3
- Pyrats Labs, a startup studio and Web3 adviser
OVAL3 aims to bring the world of rugby into the Web3 world and promises a unique, immersive experience. For more information: www.oval3.game.
About Major League Rugby
Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its sixth season that represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The league evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 12 teams in 2023, featuring 11 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on Fox Sports, among other national and local market platforms. Select matches are available to stream live in North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available on The Rugby Network for international fans. MLR prides itself in fostering intense and high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of respect, inclusivity and tradition. For more information about MLR, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby.