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Boardroom is a sports, media and entertainment brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman and focused on the intersection of sports and entertainment. Boardroom’s flagship media arm features premium video/audio, editorial, daily and weekly newsletters, showcasing how athletes, executives, musicians and creators are moving the business world forward. Boardroom’s ecosystem encompasses B2B events and experiences (such as its renowned NBA and WNBA All-Star events) as well as ticketed conferences such as Game Plan in partnership with CNBC. Our advisory arm serves to consult and connect athletes, brands and executives with our broader network and initiatives.

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How Coinbase and Mastercard Are Reimagining NFT Deals

Last Updated: July 5, 2023
Coinbase’s NFT marketplace is nearly here. And soon, it will include support for making purchases with Mastercard, opening up the cyrpto collectibles world to new consumers.

Months ago, the question on everyone’s mind (and their Googling fingers) was simple: “What’s an NFT?”

These days, the queries have gotten more specific — “How do I buy an NFT?” “How do I sell one?” “Where is the token I just bought? — but confusion still remains among legions of laypersons about the easiest way to get into the world of crypto collectibles without getting dizzy or going crosseyed.

Coinbase and Mastercard announced on Tuesday that they’re here to help with precisely that.

“Coinbase wants to simplify the user experience to allow more people to join the NFTs community. Just as we helped millions of people access Bitcoin for the first time in an easy and trusted way, we want to do the same for NFTs,” wrote Prakash Hariramani, Coinbase’s Senior Director of Product. “That’s why we’re working with Mastercard to classify NFTs as ‘digital goods,’ allowing a broader group of consumers to purchase NFTs. And, coming soon we’ll “unlock” a new way to pay using Mastercard cards.”

The Coinbase NFT marketplace will provide an end-to-end community for non-fungible token enthusiasts, whether their goals are minting and selling, browsing and purchasing, or anything in between. And while full support for Mastercard transactions isn’t expected to be live on day one, it’s very much on the horizon — and represents a breakthrough in further democratizing the world of blockchain technology by lowering the barriers for entry for new users and skittish skeptics alike.

Added Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard Executive VP of Digital Asset and Blockchain Products and Partnerships:

“We’re working to make NFTs more accessible because we believe tech should be inclusive. When more people are included in new technologies, it spurs innovation, helps economies grow, and expands choices for consumers.”

The Coinbase NFT community is coming soon. Click here to learn more about the project and find out how you can join the waitlist.

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Sam Dunn

Sam Dunn is the Managing Editor of Boardroom. Before joining the team, he was an editor and multimedia talent for several sports and culture verticals at Minute Media and an editor, reporter, and site manager at SB Nation. A specialist in content strategy, copywriting, and SEO, he has additionally worked as a digital consultant in the corporate services, retail, and tech industries. He cannot be expected to be impartial on any matter regarding the Florida Gators or Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter @RealFakeSamDunn.

About The Author
Sam Dunn
Sam Dunn
Sam Dunn is the Managing Editor of Boardroom. Before joining the team, he was an editor and multimedia talent for several sports and culture verticals at Minute Media and an editor, reporter, and site manager at SB Nation. A specialist in content strategy, copywriting, and SEO, he has additionally worked as a digital consultant in the corporate services, retail, and tech industries. He cannot be expected to be impartial on any matter regarding the Florida Gators or Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter @RealFakeSamDunn.