Implementing Trades of the National Football League Draft on Blockchain Smart Contracts

Purpose - Demonstrate proof-of-concept for conducting NFL Draft trades on a blockchain network using smart contracts. Design/Methodology/Approach - Using Ethereum smart contracts, we model several types of draft trades between teams. An example scenario is used to demonstrate contract interaction and draft results. Findings - We show the feasibility of conducting draft-day trades using smart contracts. The entire negotiation process, including side deals, can be conducted digitally. Originality/value - This research demonstrates the new application of smart contracts in the intersection of sports management and blockchain technology. Research limitations/implications - Further work is required to incorporate the full-scale depth required to integrate the draft trading process into a decentralized user platform and experience. Practical implications - Cutting time for the trade negotiation process buys decision time for team decision-makers. Gains are also made with accuracy and cost. Social Implications - Full-scale adoption may find resistance due to the level of fan involvement; the draft has evolved into an interactive experience for both fans and teams.