Hey there, crypto enthusiasts and sports fans! If you’ve been keeping an eye on the latest trends in blockchain and Web3, you’ve probably noticed a seismic shift happening in how athletes earn their money. A recent tweet from kabir.base.eth has sparked some exciting conversations about this topic, and we’re diving deep into it today on Meme Insider.

The Old vs. New Model for Athletes

The tweet features a striking image that compares the traditional "old model" of athlete earnings with a shiny new "onchain" approach. On the left, we see the classic setup: a football player relying on a salary and maybe a few endorsement deals. Sounds familiar, right? But here’s the catch—those revenue streams are limited, and the terms are often dictated by others, like sponsors or leagues. The athlete might be the star of the show, but they don’t always own the assets or control the narrative.

Now, flip to the right side, where the "new model" shines. This version includes not just salary and endorsements but a whole ecosystem of opportunities: content creation, merch drops, paid communities, live events, digital courses, licensing, equity deals, and even owned ventures. The key difference? Athletes set the terms and own the assets. It’s a game-changer, powered by blockchain technology.

Why Blockchain Matters for Athletes

So, what’s driving this revolution? Blockchain, the same tech behind cryptocurrencies and meme tokens, is stepping up to the plate. By using decentralized platforms, athletes can take control of their personal brand and earnings. Think smart contracts—self-executing agreements that automatically pay out based on performance metrics, like goals scored or views generated. This means athletes get rewarded directly, without middlemen skimming the profits.

The tweet highlights a real-world example: two plays by NBA star Ja Morant racked up 280 million views and $16 million in earned media value for platforms. That’s a huge number, but the athletes themselves often see just a fraction of it. With blockchain, that value can flow back to the creators—athletes and their fans alike.

The Onchain Advantage

Bringing athletes "onchain" (onto blockchain networks) opens up a world of possibilities. Fans can join paid communities or buy exclusive merch drops directly from their favorite players. Athletes can launch digital courses or license their image rights, earning royalties every time their likeness is used. And with equity deals and owned ventures, they can build long-term wealth, not just rely on a single paycheck.

This shift isn’t just about money—it’s about empowerment. As kabir.base.eth puts it, “athletes create 100% of the value. everyone else captures 90% of the money. everyone eats but the chef.” Blockchain flips the script, ensuring the chef—aka the athlete—gets a fair slice of the pie.

What’s Next for Sports and Web3?

The excitement around this topic is palpable, with comments in the thread calling it “the future” and asking which blockchain stack will lead the charge. At Meme Insider, we’re watching closely as this trend evolves. Will we see more athletes jumping on the Web3 bandwagon? Could meme tokens play a role, perhaps as fan-driven currencies for these new revenue streams? The possibilities are endless, and we’ll keep you posted!

For now, this tweet serves as a wake-up call. The old model is fading, and a new era of athlete earnings is dawning—thanks to blockchain. What do you think about this shift? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned to Meme Insider for the latest updates on Web3 and meme token news!