ATP Tour Launching NFTs With Art Blocks Engine
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) is launching a new NFT collection in collaboration with the Art Blocks Engine and artist Martin Grasser, according to a Saturday morning announcement.
The collection, "LOVE," is set to launch on Tuesday, Dec. 6 incorporating real in-match data from the Nitto ATP Finals to generate visual outputs that correspond to the actual placement of shots landing on the court. The in-match data is composed of more than 114 camera angles with various levels of zoom details and is captured "by ten high-definition cameras placed around the court that capture ball location, velocity, and acceleration every 0.02 seconds."
“Web3 is unlocking incredible new opportunities to innovate and bring sport to life for fans. LOVE represents an exciting first step in the space for the ATP Tour," said ATP Chief Business Officer, Daniele Sanó.
The generative outputs will be brought to life courtesy of the Art Blocks Engine and notable generative artist, Martin Grasser. Example test outputs are shown below.
"How incredible to be able to partner with the ATP. I have always loved sports, especially the graphic lines on the court. We turned the court into a painting, and then started playing with angles and zooms to make each composition as unique as the point it reflects," said Grasser. The collection will be the second that Grasser has released working with the Art Blocks Engine. In July he produced "Squares," a 196 NFT collection that dropped via Art Blocks Factory. The collection holds a floor price of 3 ETH at the time of writing.
While the Art Blocks Engine has been utilized by platforms like Doodle Labs and Bright Moments, the collaboration with the ATP Tour marks the first time the service is being utilized in sports. Art Blocks more formally released the platform for use by other web3 creators in late August.
"This project with ATP is a compelling use case for the intersection of tennis and dynamic digital collectibles, commemorating what will be historic moments from the Nitto ATP Finals. We are so excited to be a part of this project furthering the intersection of art, sports, and crypto," said Art Blocks Chief Operating Officer Hugh Heslep.
The Nitto ATP Finals finish later today in Turin, Italy, concluding the potential generative outputs for "LOVE." The 300 NFT collection will be sold on art.tennis via Dutch auction, starting at 0.3 ETH on Dec. 6. Collectors will have the opportunity to purchase a physical print of their output at the conclusion of the mint. An official time for the drop has not been provided.
One percent of all secondary sales will be donated directly to the Giving Block's Mental Health Impact Fund.
