In the fast-evolving world of crypto, new ideas pop up that can shift how we think about assets and value. Recently, Ryan Connor from Blockworks Research shared an intriguing take on "Net New Assets" (NNAs), positioning them as a game-changer for builders in the space. He highlighted this in a tweet that quotes a thread on tokenized trading cards, calling it an extension of the NNA thesis. Let's break it down in simple terms and see how it ties into meme coins, which are right up our alley here at Meme Insider.

What Are Net New Assets (NNAs)?

NNAs are essentially assets that either didn't exist before or couldn't function without blockchain technology—think crypto rails making the impossible possible. Unlike Real World Assets (RWAs), which bring traditional stuff like real estate or bonds onto the chain, NNAs are born digital and thrive because of crypto's unique features.

As Ryan explains, meme coins perfectly fit this bill. They're a subset of NNAs because they leverage community hype, viral mechanics, and decentralized trading in ways that traditional finance just can't match. But NNAs go beyond memes—examples include gas tokens (for paying network fees), BTC (Bitcoin itself as the OG crypto asset), PFPs (profile pictures like NFTs), real estate derivatives on platforms like Parcl, prediction markets on Polymarket, opinion market contracts on Opinions.Fun, and even mindshare derivatives on Noise.xyz. The key? These assets offer higher upside for crypto-native builders than tokenizing old-school assets.

Why the higher upside? Because NNAs tap into untapped markets, create fresh value loops, and scale globally without the baggage of legacy systems. For instance, meme coins can explode in value overnight based on social momentum, something RWAs struggle with due to regulatory hurdles and slower adoption.

Tokenized Trading Cards: A Fresh Extension of NNAs

Ryan's tweet spotlights a thread by Kunal Doshi, also from Blockworks, which dives into how trading card games (TCGs) like Pokémon are morphing into investable assets via tokenization. This isn't just about collecting cards anymore—it's about turning them into onchain powerhouses with gamified mechanics.

Kunal kicks off by noting that the Pokémon Card Index is up 61% year-to-date, outpacing stocks, gold, and even Bitcoin. Factors like nostalgia, scarcity, celebrity buzz, and viral unboxing videos are fueling this surge. Big retailers like Target and Walmart are seeing massive sales jumps, with eBay's collectibles hitting billions in revenue.

Onchain platforms are supercharging this by offering instant liquidity, low fees (around 4%), and fun gacha-style mechanics—random pulls that keep users hooked. Volumes for tokenized TCGs have doubled recently, nearing OpenSea NFT levels, with revenues spiking to millions weekly.

Platforms like Courtyard.io, Collector Crypt, and Phygitals are leading the charge. Courtyard excels in sports cards with steady restocks, while Collector Crypt uses eBay tools for below-market sourcing, and Phygitals woos Web2 collectors with convention deals and intuitive UX. The winners? Those with killer networks for sourcing rare cards cheaply and at scale.

This TCG boom exemplifies NNAs because tokenization creates new ways to own, trade, and gamify physical collectibles that couldn't exist without blockchain. It's like meme coins but with tangible backing—community-driven value meets real-world scarcity.

Why This Matters for Meme Coin Enthusiasts

At Meme Insider, we're all about memes, but NNAs show how the playbook extends. Meme coins are NNAs at their core: born on crypto rails, fueled by virality, and offering wild upside. Tokenized TCGs borrow from this—gamification drives engagement, much like how meme communities pump tokens.

But there's a lesson here: sustainability comes from strong fundamentals. Just as meme coins need solid communities to last, TCG platforms thrive on margins, inventory, and collector loyalty. Kunal points out that higher net margins (like Courtyard's 20%) signal healthy ecosystems over pure speculation.

If you're building or investing in memes, think NNA-style: What unique value does crypto enable that wasn't possible before? Prediction markets, opinion tokens, or even meme derivatives could be next.

Wrapping Up: The Future of Crypto Assets

Ryan's NNA thesis flips the script from RWAs to pure crypto innovation, with tokenized TCGs as a prime example. It's a reminder that the biggest wins come from creating net new value, not just digitizing the old. For meme coin fans, this validates our space while opening doors to hybrid ideas like gamified memes or collectible tokens.

Keep an eye on Blockworks for deeper dives—their reports are gold for understanding these trends. What's your take? Are tokenized cards the next meme-level hype? Drop your thoughts in the comments!