Nike’s .SWOOSH is a web3-enabled platform that provides a digital community and marketplace for athletes and customers. It offers a space where users can co-create and earn royalties on virtual Nike products, such as shoes, jerseys, and accessories. Utilizing Nike’s tools and templates, users have the freedom to design their own digital creations or collaborate with others, including athletes and artists. When these creations are sold or used by others, users can earn a share of the generated revenue.
Digital Apparel and NFTs
Through the .SWOOSH platform, users can learn about and collect digital apparel that will soon be wearable in digital games and immersive experiences. These digital apparel items are represented as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the blockchain, offering uniqueness and scarcity. Users can verify their ownership of these items and wear them in various metaverse platforms, such as Decentraland, The Sandbox, and Roblox. Additionally, digital apparel can unlock exclusive content and events for users.
Launch and Partnerships
The .SWOOSH platform was launched in November 2022, following successful NFT campaigns by Nike, including the Cristiano Ronaldo NFT collection. Notably, the platform operates on Polygon, a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, which enables fast and cost-effective transactions. Polygon’s network of sidechains running parallel to Ethereum allows users to interact with Ethereum-based smart contracts and NFTs without high gas fees or long confirmation times.
NFT Releases and Innovation
In early 2023, the .SWOOSH platform released its first NFTs, featuring iconic Nike designs and collaborations with athletes and artists. NFTs such as the Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, Air Max 90, and Vaporfly Next% were showcased along with Nike’s innovation and sustainability efforts, such as Flyknit, FlyEase, and Space Hippie. These releases demonstrate Nike’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of web3 innovation and fostering creative expression among athletes and creators.
Nike’s Vision for a Connected and Creative Web3 Ecosystem
As a leader in web3 innovation, Nike’s .SWOOSH platform aims to empower athletes and creators, enabling them to express themselves in new and exciting ways. By creating a more connected and creative world of sport, Nike seeks to cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone can participate, contribute, and benefit from the web3 ecosystem. Through the .SWOOSH platform, Nike is embracing the decentralized and user-centric nature of web3, providing opportunities for individuals to shape the future of sport.