Some $XRP holders recently linked a new partnership between American Express and the National Football League to $XRP.
The move followed an initial teaser from American Express concerning a new reveal. However, respected voices in the community have pushed back on this hype.
Key Points
- American Express enters a new partnership with the National Football League.
- XRPL validator Vet dismissed claims, stating the announcement is purely a sports-focused deal, not a blockchain move.
- The multi-year deal makes Amex the NFL’s Official Payments Partner starting in 2026, with a focus on fan perks.
- Past ties between Amex and Ripple fueled confusion, but $XRP is not involved in this deal.
The $XRP hype
Well-known XRPL validator Vet, in a tweet, dismissed claims that American Express’s announcement had anything to do with $XRP. He stressed that the development was purely a commercial partnership tied to sports and fan engagement.
The validator criticized influencers who attempted to link the news to $XRP, urging the community to ignore the “hopium.”
The clarification comes after speculation spread across social media suggesting the partnership could signal renewed institutional interest in $XRP or blockchain-based payments.
What the American Express–NFL Deal Actually Is
In reality, the announcement centers on a multi-year global partnership between American Express and the National Football League. Specifically, it names Amex as the league’s Official Payments Partner starting from the 2026 season.
The deal focuses on enhancing fan experiences rather than introducing blockchain infrastructure. Card members will gain access to ticket presales, exclusive on-site experiences, and perks at major NFL events, including the Super Bowl and NFL Draft.
The partnership also extends to international games, highlighting the NFL’s expanding global footprint.
Additionally, both organizations plan to roll out co-branded offerings, such as the NFL Extra Points American Express credit card. The move aims to deepen fan engagement through rewards and exclusive access.
Why $XRP Got Dragged Into the Conversation
The confusion appears to stem from American Express’ past involvement with Ripple. In 2017, the payments giant partnered with Ripple and Santander to explore blockchain-based cross-border payments using RippleNet.
That initiative sought to improve transaction speed and transparency between the U.S. and U.K., leveraging Ripple’s enterprise technology.
However, it is important to note that the system did not rely on $XRP as a bridge asset at the time. Instead, it focused on messaging and settlement efficiency, with Ripple executives mentioning $XRP only as a potential future component.
Ultimately, while the historical connection between American Express and Ripple is real, the latest NFL partnership has no direct link to $XRP or blockchain adoption.
The episode highlights a recurring trend in the crypto space in which token holders link major corporate announcements to digital assets without confirmation.
