eBay’s recent web3 tech-led restructuring has resulted in significant upgrades to the company’s technology, performance, and customer experience. This has included tools that make it easier than ever to discover, sell or buy items. As a part of this expansion, eBay began incorporating the buying and selling of NFTs back in May. 

The acquisition comes a month after eBay launched its first collection of NFTs in partnership with web3 platform OneOf. The company’s new NFT Collection will feature 3D and animated interpretations of the iconic athletes featured on Sports Illustrated covers over the years. eBay says the surge in the collectibles market led to its first collaboration in the NFT space.

OneOf debuted its new marketplace in February 2022 after announcing a partnership with Sports Illustrated.

eBay’s first digital collectibles will feature hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky. The Gretzky NFTs will be purchasable on the Ethereum sidechain Polygon. There will be 13 different types of NFTs of varying tiers, ranging from $10 to $1,500, all of which will be 3D renderings of a younger Gretzky in various poses. Some of the NFTs contain Gretzky’s digitized autograph.