On September 20 and 21, 2,500 people—including 200 football clubs, leagues, and federations—will descend upon Sevilla, Spain, to attend the annual World Football Summit (WFS) Europe, an event designed to drive growth in the football industry.

By speaking and exhibiting at the event this year, WFS partners Michal Glijer of Zetly and Robert Rice of Transmira will showcase their platforms and educate stakeholders on increasing fan engagement and monetization via a BSV blockchain-powered metaverse.

For more details on their partnership, the platforms they represent, and the grand opportunity WFS presents, I spoke with Glijer, who was as enthusiastic as ever.

Becky Liggero: Glijer, it’s always a pleasure. Thank you for making time for me within your busy travel schedule! So, I hear Zetly and Transmira will have a big presence at the WFS, which we are all excited about. Could you share how your platforms work together to revolutionize the sports industry?

Michal Glijer: Indeed, we are truly changing the game regarding fan engagement, unique experiences, and monetizing fan behavior in the world of sports. Zetly is primarily focused on enhancing fan engagement through innovative digital experiences and using digital assets as tools. We believe modern sports enthusiasts demand more than just watching games; they want to be an integral part of the events. Zetly allows fans to immerse themselves in the world of sports like never before, creating a sense of community and belonging that transcends geographical boundaries.

On the other hand, the solutions provided by Transmira’s Omniscape introduce the concept of digital twins, bridging the virtual and physical worlds. This technology offers sports clubs and organizations unique opportunities to create a metaverse sports spectacle. By making accurate virtual representations of stadiums, players, and even fans, Transmira enables clubs to generate new revenue streams and provides a globally unmatched fan experience.

Together, Zetly and Transmira are creating a unique ecosystem that not only engages fans but also equips sports organizations with fully photorealistic digital stadiums, potentially doubling their stadium revenues.

Becky Liggero: Amazing. Can you elaborate on Zetly’s fan engagement model? How does it revolutionize the fan experience?

Michal Glijer: In today’s digital age, fan engagement is crucial for developing sports organizations. Zetly recognizes this need and is changing how fans experience sporting events. Our platform leverages state-of-the-art technologies that, based on digital assets, can create a new Fan model we call “Fan 24/7.” Through our platform, fans can not only buy and sell their digital collections on integrated marketplaces but also actively participate in their club’s life, supporting the development of their favorite team. Each module of the platform provides new tools to clubs.

Until now, most of the club’s revenue was limited to matchdays. Our solutions change this significantly because clubs can now organize numerous contests and games for their fans non-stop, 365 days a year. The new generation of fans, digital fans, expects their clubs to evolve with the changing times. Therefore, I believe that Zetly perfectly aligns with the upcoming changes in digitization.

In conclusion, I think the key to success is utility and a new dimension of experiences when it comes to watching sports or being close to your team.

Becky Liggero: I can honestly feel the synergy between Zetly and Transmira from here. Could you give us the story of how you and Rice aligned on your visions for sports enthusiasts?

Michal Glijer: The synergy between Zetly and Transmira is indeed a game-changer for sports enthusiasts. Imagine a massive IKEA store standing empty without furniture; who would go there to shop? Well, nobody. After collaborating with Rice at the BSV blockchain conference in Dubai last year, we quickly found common ground and realized that our visions for future sports arenas were quite similar.

Zetly is building a platform with an embedded digital wallet that reflects each fan’s identity, providing tools for virtual fans. Imagine not only watching your favorite team during a game but also entering a virtual replica of the stadium, surrounded by fans from all over the world, all through virtual reality. The level of engagement is unparalleled. Our solutions and technology create synergy in the digital dimension, where we all know that watching a live match at the stadium with everything a club offers to its fans is the best experience. We do the same, but in the digital dimension. Together, these technologies offer comprehensive experiences that go beyond traditional sports viewing. It’s not just about watching the game; it’s about experiencing it, no matter where you are in the world.

Becky Liggero: Very exciting. So, how do you see the Zetly and Transmira partnership enhancing decision-making capabilities for sports organizations?

Michal Glijer: Our partnership perfectly blends fan engagement and data-driven analysis. Zetly gathers valuable data on fan preferences, interactions, and sentiments. When combined with Transmira’s digital twins, it creates a comprehensive picture of fan behavior and stadium dynamics. Sports organizations can use this data to make informed decisions. For example, they can optimize ticket prices based on fan demand patterns, enhance security protocols, or tailor marketing campaigns to specific fan segments. By combining fan engagement with virtual environments, we offer a comprehensive solution that provides sports organizations with tools to increase operational efficiency and deliver unparalleled fan experiences.

Becky Liggero: This sounds like an absolute no-brainer to me, but the sports industry is known for its “old school” traditions. What are the challenges involved with introducing such cutting-edge technologies, and how do you see sports clubs reacting to this new era of innovation?

Michal Glijer: Overcoming tradition in the sports industry can be challenging, but it is also essential for progress. We approach this challenge through education and demonstration.

First, we invest in educating sports clubs and organizations about the benefits of our technologies. We show them how embracing innovation can increase fan engagement, new revenue sources, and improve performance. However, it’s important to note that clubs should avoid shortcuts and immediate monetization. This is a journey and a process. It requires patience, the development of a strategy, and a thorough processing chart, which will eventually result in the creation of a secondary market of knowledgeable fans.

Second, we demonstrate the tangible impact of our solutions through pilot projects and collaborations. When sports clubs see positive results, such as increased fan engagement and improved performance, they become more open to adopting advanced technologies. We believe that as more clubs experience the benefits of our platforms and witness changing fan engagement dynamics, the entire sports industry will gradually embrace this new era of innovation.

Becky Liggero: Could you share your vision of “this new era of innovation” and how it will impact the future of sports?

Michal Glijer: Our vision for the future of sports is a world where fans are not just spectators but active participants in every aspect of the game. We envision a world where every fan, regardless of their location, can engage with their favorite sports in ways that were once thought impossible. Zetly and Transmira are at the forefront of this transformation.

We see stadiums filled with physical and virtual fans united in their passion for sports. We see sports organizations making data-driven decisions, improving athlete performance, and delivering unforgettable experiences to fans. We see a global sports ecosystem thriving on innovation, creating new opportunities for clubs, sponsors, and fans alike.

Ultimately, our goal is to make sports more accessible, engaging, and dynamic, ensuring that the love for sports continues to grow and evolve in the digital age.

Becky Liggero: I love it. Can you provide us with an example of a project or collaboration representing Zetly and Transmira’s mission to redefine engagement in sports?

Michal Glijer: One example of our shared mission is our collaboration with sports clubs. We recently engaged in advanced discussions to integrate the Zetly platform with the Digital Twin concept, which included a stadium and a part of the historic city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This collaboration could allow the club to generate new revenue streams, and fans could experience new sensations. Moreover, the city, which often supports local teams, could open itself up to global tourism in an entirely new dimension. Imagine millions of people exploring the city’s landmarks, immersed in a photorealistic virtual world while simultaneously sending their avatars to a football match, all from thousands of kilometers away.

Becky Liggero: I love this concept. It’s so futuristic. I think WFS attendees are in for a real treat! Speaking of, what initially motivated Zetly and Transmira to participate in WFS?

Michal Glijer: The World Football Summit is the largest event of its kind in the football world, where the biggest clubs, federations, and companies providing new solutions gather to contribute to the continuous development of football as an industry. As Zetly and Transmira, we are delighted to showcase our technologies together in Seville on September 20-21, 2023. We are particularly excited that both Rice, CEO of Transmira, and I will participate in a panel discussion dedicated to the Digital Twin concept. This is important to me because it allows us to get closer to decision-makers in clubs, where, unfortunately, awareness of such solutions is currently low.

Our motivation to participate in this event has a dual purpose. First, we see WFS Europe as an opportunity to present our groundbreaking technologies to a global audience of sports clubs, federations, and enthusiasts. It’s a chance to demonstrate how our platforms can revolutionize fan engagement and change how sports organizations operate. Second, we want to collaborate with leaders in the football industry because, sooner or later, what we’re building will create a global wave of Digital Twins.

I’d like to add that our presence there would not have been possible without the support we received from the BSV blockchain, which is truly encouraging and shows that choosing the BSV blockchain as the foundation for our platforms was the right decision.

Becky Liggero: That’s amazing to hear and absolutely spot-on; a solid foundation for your platforms requires a scalable, public blockchain with its protocol set in stone! So, before we say goodbye, what message would you like to convey to sports clubs, federations, and enthusiasts who are now interested in the potential of Zetly and Transmira?

Michal Glijer: To sports clubs, federations, and enthusiasts, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your interest and enthusiasm in Zetly and Transmira at WFS Europe.

For me, this is the second year in a row speaking at such a high-profile event, which suggests that what I’m doing with Zetly and the path we’ve chosen is the right one, and we must stick to it. We care deeply about sports, and we hope that you will view new technologies as the 12th player—a supporter that aids in development rather than being something additional. The world is changing, people’s behaviors are changing, and the expectations of new generations of fans are evolving. Therefore, embrace innovation because it is the key to a brighter future for sports. Thanks to Zetly and Transmira, you have the tools to engage fans like never before, make data-driven decisions, and usher in a new era of sports entertainment. We are here to collaborate with you on this journey, and together, we can create a sports landscape that is more dynamic, connected, and exciting than ever before.