DraftKings Marketplace taps Steve Aoki as artist and brand ambassador

Steve Aoki DraftKings Marketplace
Image: Shutterstock

The reign of Steve Aoki is underway. Today DraftKings announced that the Grammy-nominated DJ will serve as a brand ambassador specifically for DraftKings Marketplace. Separate from the sportsbook or the daily fantasy sports site, DraftKings Marketplace is a venue where users can buy and sell NFTs commissioned by DraftKings.

Aoki will bring NFT talents to DraftKings Marketplace

Aoki will be involved in promoting all of the company’s Web3 projects, but he will mostly focus on DraftKings Reignmakers. That product is, “an NFT-based fantasy sports series where players will be able to build a collection of NFT player cards with which they can draft a lineup for use in fantasy sports-style games,” according to the press release.

“I am excited to be working with DraftKings to build out the next generation of fantasy sports,” said Aoki. “Through Reignmakers Football, DraftKings customers can have ownership of their rosters in an innovative way that Web3 can provide.”

Aoki will help curate and develop his own branded NFT collections for the Marketplace. He is a known NFT collector and avid poker player, so the combination of NFTs and gambling is a natural fit for the Las Vegas-based entertainer.

“Steve Aoki is globally recognized for his contributions to the music industry and more recently, for his involvement with digital collectibles. I am excited to welcome him to the DraftKings family,” said Matt Kalish, DraftKings co-founder and president, DraftKings North America. “Having him on board will provide us with a refreshing perspective for future, community-driven projects, and I look forward to bringing new experiences to our customers and to Steve’s fans.”

First Aoki collection drops Sept. 15

DraftKings will release Aoki’s first collection, the Aoki 2022 All-Star Access Pass, on Sept 15. Collectors can gain access to private head-to-head matches where they can win additional collectibles. The contests will begin during the second week of NFL action. Users who buy the collection are also eligible for unique VIP experiences like Aoki concerts.

This is the second specialized sponsorship this week for DraftKings. Prior to NFL kickoff last night, the company launched a responsible gambling campaign featuring Tony Hawk and pro wrestler The Miz.