Datavault AI, a provider of data monetization and real-world asset tokenization technologies, has announced an agreement with Sports Illustrated to explore a potential collaboration on a digital asset exchange focused on athlete name, image, and likeness monetization. The initiative represents a significant development in the intersection of sports, finance, and emerging technology, aiming to create a compliant marketplace for NIL assets.
The proposed platform would be powered by Datavault AI's proprietary, quantum-secure technology stack, including its patented Data Vault, DataScore, and DataValue AI agents, smart contracts, and the Nasdaq Financial Framework-compatible Information Data Exchange. According to the announcement, the parties are targeting a potential commercial launch in the second half of 2026, pending the outcome of their evaluation period.
This exploration comes at a time of accelerating regulatory clarity in the U.S. digital asset market and growing opportunities in both NIL and global sports endorsements. The collaboration positions Datavault AI to pursue what it describes as compliant, scalable tokenization and trading of NIL assets for athletes, brands, agencies, and investors. The Information Data Exchange enables Digital Twins and licensing of name, image, and likeness by securely attaching physical real-world objects to immutable metadata objects, which the company says fosters responsible AI with integrity.
The potential impact of such a platform extends beyond individual athletes to the broader sports industry ecosystem. Brands seeking endorsement opportunities, agencies managing athlete portfolios, and investors looking for new asset classes could all participate in a regulated digital marketplace. The technology suite is described as completely customizable and offers AI and Machine Learning automation, third-party integration, detailed analytics, marketing automation, and advertising monitoring capabilities.
For more information about the company's technology and approach, visit https://ibn.fm/clpdX. The company's full terms of use and disclaimers are available at http://IBN.fm/Disclaimer. The announcement contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, including factors beyond management's control and those detailed in the company's SEC filings.
