Steph Curry inks deal with crypto platform FTX

Steph Curry becomes the latest high-profile athlete to secure an FTX equity stake in exchange for being a global ambassador. 

Founded by crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX has quickly grown into the third biggest crypto exchange by volume due to its emphasis on sponsorships and deals. However, it remains well behind Binance and Coinbase.

In its bid to further bolster the popularity of the crypto space the company has secured a number of high profile partnerships recently announcing a 19-year, $135 million deal for the naming rights to the Miami Heat arena in May. Earlier this year the exchange also reached a 10-year, $17.5 million naming rights deal with the Cal Golden Bears. Additionally, it secured a deal with Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady and his supermodel wife Gisele Bündchen in June, with the exchange vowing to donate 1% of net fees to charity.

Curry’s first foray into the crypto space follows his lucrative purchase of a Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT last month for $180,000. His ape contains particularly rare attributes including zombie eyes which only 3% of the apes possess and a tweed suit which only 1% of apes have. His latest venture with FTX will include an annual contribution to the charity he runs with his wife Ayesha, called Eat.Learn.Play, which aims to improve education, nutrition and active living for children in America.

The company's press release stated:

“Curry’s equity stake in FTX Trading Limited further advances the company’s position as the fastest growing and most trusted place to buy, sell and trade Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, NFTs, and other digital assets. He will be taking on the role of global ambassador to expand the reach of the FTX brand and tout the viability of cryptocurrency to new audiences around the world through several upcoming initiatives.”

The CEO of FTX Bankman-Fried also commented:

"After meeting and speaking with Stephen, it was clear that he is a seamless fit for FTX. His tireless commitment to charity alongside a ferocious work ethic to become the greatest in any arena he steps foot in, whether it is basketball, investing or business, perfectly align with FTX's core values."  He added, "I look forward to working together with Stephen to create a positive impact for those who need it most in the world." 

Speaking about the partnership Curry said: “I’m excited to partner with a company that demystifies the crypto space and eliminates the intimidation factor for first-time users. FTX is likeminded when it comes to giving back to the community in meaningful ways and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Next up: Malta Week

Don't miss out on amazing networking opportunities and exclusive industry insights at Malta Week. Four leading shows will bring the best of the business back-to-back to a first-class meeting point. Malta Week will consist of SiGMA, AIBC, Med-Tech World and AGS, each presenting the top developments of their focal industries.

The cross-collaboration of each brand makes Malta Week the number one destination for leading think-tanks of the gaming sector, emerging tech, digital health, and digital marketing. The middle of the Mediterranean is the perfect place for multi-faceted business deals and face-to-face conversations with leading affiliates, policymakers, and thought leaders.