Welcome to the OpenSea digest. Let’s look back through the biggest NFT and web3 news of the week.

Art Blocks’ fifth annual Marfa Weekend brings an ‘almost crunchy’ sense of connection to West Texas

Art Blocks’ fifth annual Marfa Weekend filled the desert town of Marfa, Texas with artists, collectors and technologists united by what founder Erick “Snowfro” Calderon called an “almost crunchy” sense of kindness and presence.

The multi-day gathering centered on shared creativity and collaboration, demonstrating how generative art continues to evolve from a tech experiment into a lasting cultural movement.

a16z releases State of Crypto 2025 report

Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) released its “State of Crypto 2025” report, in which it declared this the year digital currencies entered the global mainstream.

The report cites data showing that the total crypto market value has reportedly surpassed $4 trillion, with stablecoins processing more than $9 trillion in annual transactions and blockchain networks handling more than 3,400 transactions per second.

Analysts at a16z say these trends reflect stronger infrastructure and broader participation from financial institutions and technology companies. 

Gemini launches Solana card with SOL rewards and staking

Crypto exchange Gemini has introduced a Solana-themed credit card that rewards users with SOL, the native token of the Solana blockchain. 

According to an article in The Block, the Mastercard-powered card lets cardholders earn up to 4% back in SOL on purchases and automatically stake those rewards, which means locking up tokens to support the network’s operation. 

The article adds that Gemini’s card program has grown quickly, with signups reportedly increasing to nearly 31,000 this year from about 8,000 in 2024.

Separately, Gemini and Solana co-hosted a 48-hour livestream fundraiser on X to raise $50,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit donate.gg/creator/gemini for more information about giving.

Coinbase buys $25 million NFT to revive UpOnly podcast, acquires Echo for onchain fundraising

Coinbase just spent $25 million on an NFT that brings back UpOnly, the 2021-era crypto podcast hosted by influencer Jordan “Cobie” Fish. CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed the purchase, which officially kicks off the show’s return after a three-year break. 

Around the same time, Coinbase announced it had acquired Echo, an on-chain fundraising platform that connects blockchain startups with investors.

Moca Network launches AIR Shop 

Moca Network, an Animoca Brands project focused on digital identity, has launched AIR Shop with South Korea’s SK Planet, the company known for running the rewards program, OK Cashbag.

The new platform reportedly uses blockchain to make loyalty rewards more transparent and verifiable, thereby enabling users to earn and redeem points across global merchants. SK Planet users can connect their existing loyalty accounts or web3 credentials, such as MOCA or Mocaverse NFTs, to unlock rewards. The operation will run on Moca’s AIR Identity system.

Chimpers adopts $CHMPSTR token to fund new blockchain loyalty program

Chimpers, a storytelling-based NFT collection known for its pixel art primate characters, is adopting a new loyalty system via the new CHMPSTR token.

According to the X announcement, a share of the token’s transaction fees will go into the Chimpers “Dojo Reserve,” a digital treasury used to support future rewards and experiences. The team says a loyalty hub will launch in early 2026.

The existing Chimp Points system will end, and early participants will receive a collectible card for their early support. 

Doge buys Italian soccer club to further expand brand into sports

House of Doge, the commercial branch of the Dogecoin Foundation, has bought a controlling stake in U.S. Triestina Calcio 1918, a club in Italy’s Serie C league. The company reportedly said the deal is meant to connect Dogecoin fans around the world with one of Europe’s oldest soccer teams and show how crypto can partake in professional sports. 

The firm also added Toronto Blue Jays executive Roger Rai to its advisory board to help oversee its growing sports efforts, which continue to evolve following Dogecoin teaming up with IndyCar driver Devlin DeFrancesco earlier this year. 

Note: The mention of any token is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or investment advice.