The CEO of Atleta Network, Dima Saksonov, has called blockchain a key infrastructure layer for the global sports industry, emphasizing that sports are now a major driver of mainstream blockchain adoption.
According to Saksonov, blockchain is already being used in ticket verification, identity management, and rights administration systems — areas that have moved beyond experimentation to become mission-critical for major leagues and venues.
“In this cycle, blockchain companies are delivering ready-to-deploy industrial modules for ticketing, ID verification, and settlements,” Saksonov explained. “This lets leagues integrate blockchain directly into stadium operations, unlock new revenue streams, and deepen fan engagement.”
From Marketing Gimmick to Core Technology
Once seen merely as a marketing buzzword for crypto sponsors, blockchain has now solidified its position as a foundational layer for managing data, rights, and fan interactions. What began as crypto branding on stadiums has evolved into the technological backbone of sports operations.
Analysts forecast that the blockchain-in-sports market will expand from $2.05 billion in 2024 to $10 billion by 2035, reflecting its accelerating adoption.
Real-World Use Cases
The Atleta CEO highlighted how blockchain helps solve long-standing industry challenges — preventing ticket fraud, ensuring transparency in athlete data for scouting and fantasy leagues, and automating sponsorship contracts.
Fans, he noted, “barely notice the tech layer — the chain runs quietly in the background while the fan experience stays intuitive.”
Saksonov added:
“Sports are no longer just a marketing tool for crypto; they’ve become the testing ground where blockchain proves itself as indispensable infrastructure. Fans interact with blockchain every day — buying tickets, voting on team decisions, or exchanging verified digital collectibles — often without realizing it.”
Expanding the Sports–Fintech Frontier
The intersection of sports, finance, and blockchain continues to grow. In September 2025, Chiliz, the blockchain platform behind Socios.com, acquired a 51% controlling stake in the esports organization OG Esports, strengthening its foothold in the digital assets space for sports and gaming.
Prediction markets and blockchain-based betting platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket are also gaining traction. The NHL recently signed licensing deals with both platforms, allowing them to use official league branding and promote their services during games — marking a first-of-its-kind partnership in blockchain-powered sports betting.
Meanwhile, Polymarket is reportedly preparing a return to the U.S. market by the end of November, focusing heavily on sports events. Kalshi, however, remains entangled in legal battles with New York State regulators after being ordered to suspend its sports contracts. The company argues that its federal authorization from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) should override local restrictions.
Another noteworthy integration of blockchain into mainstream culture is Truth Predict, a new prediction product from Truth Social, developed in partnership with Crypto.com. The platform will allow users to create prediction contracts on political, economic, and sports events, with beta testing set to launch soon.
The Future: From Stadiums to Screens
Prediction markets are fast becoming the next big thing in online betting, challenging traditional sportsbooks by offering decentralized, transparent, and blockchain-secured alternatives.
As Saksonov put it, “Blockchain isn’t coming to sports — it’s already here, quietly reshaping how fans, leagues, and athletes interact in the digital era.”
