FIFA Rivals, the high-energy mobile football game from FIFA and Mythical Games, has entered into a multi-year partnership with Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, bringing the iconic German side into its fast-growing digital arena.

The collaboration marks FIFA Rivals’ first official club partnership and a major step in the game’s expansion across Europe. It also introduces new ways for fans around the world to engage with Dortmund, both in-game and in real life.

As part of the 2025/26 season rollout, fans and players can look forward to:

• Dortmund stars in-game: Players including Karim Adeyemi, Serhou Guirassy, Nico Schlotterbeck, Gregor Kobel, Jobe Bellingham, Yan Couto, and Daniel Svensson will feature as playable characters.

• Official collectibles: BVB kits will be available in FIFA Rivals starting in August.

• Fan rewards and giveaways: Challenges and events offering digital BVB items, matchday tickets, and official merchandise.

• Real-world activations: Upcoming events with Borussia Dortmund, including at the club’s FanWelt.

To kick off the partnership, FIFA Rivals is running a BVB Launch Giveaway Week from August 18–24. During this time, all players can log in daily to receive a free Borussia Dortmund player card pack featuring select first-team stars. A new official BVB emblem will also be available, with additional limited-edition emblems offering stat boosts in the in-game store.

“This partnership with Borussia Dortmund is a strategic step in expanding FIFA Rivals’ global footprint and deepening our engagement within the European football ecosystem,” said Jung Suh, Chief Business Officer at Mythical Games. “BVB’s global brand, forward-thinking approach, and commitment to fan experience make them an ideal partner as we continue to bridge the worlds of interactive entertainment and sport.”

Carsten Cramer, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund, added: “It creates a unique bridge between the digital and real worlds, enabling us to connect with our fans around the world in innovative ways. Borussia Dortmund stands for passion, community, and innovation—values that align perfectly with this project.”

About Mythical Games

Acknowledged by Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas 2021 and named one of Forbes’ Best Startup Employers in 2024, Mythical Games is a next-generation studio focused on player ownership and digital economies. The team has worked on major franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Magic: The Gathering, Madden NFL, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Marvel Strike Force, Modern Warfare 3, and Skylanders. Its own titles, Blankos Block Party and NFL Rivals, are already played by millions of fans worldwide, pioneering new ways to securely trade and engage with digital game assets.

About Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund is one of Germany’s most storied football clubs, founded in 1909 and boasting over 10 million domestic fans, along with a rapidly growing international following. The club has won eight Bundesliga titles, five DFB-Pokals, and in 1966 became the first German side to win a European trophy. Dortmund went on to lift the UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup in 1997. With annual revenues exceeding €500 million, BVB is today not only one of Europe’s most successful clubs on the pitch but also among its strongest commercially.

USDe has set a new industry record by hitting $10 billion in total value locked (TVL) in just 500 days, making it the fastest stablecoin in history to reach that milestone.

The protocol behind USDe, Ethena Labs, posted:

“everyone wants to know what we’d say if we didn’t reach $10b supply

i guess we’ll never know”

The GENIUS behind the rise of USDe

USDe’s rapid climb has coincided with the passing of the GENIUS Act, the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, which represents the first comprehensive federal framework for stablecoins in the United States.

Enacted on July 18, 2025, it imposes strict new rules on issuers, including 1:1 reserve requirements in low-risk assets, robust federal oversight for large issuers, and strong consumer protections such as priority repayment rights in the event of failure.

The most impactful provision of the ACT, however, and the catalyst behind the rise of USDe, is the prohibition on regulated issuers paying yields on stablecoins, as CoinFund president Chris Perkins told CryptoSlate:

“Under GENIUS, stablecoins do not pay interest to end users, and without interest, stablecoins are depreciating assets. So, holders will seek yield. And that’s where DeFi comes in. If the Treasury Department’s projections are correct and trillions of stablecoins come into the system, expect DeFi summer on steroids as users seek to maximize yield by engaging across a variety of yield strategies. Users will be drawn to yield-bearing vaults, and they will commission AI agents to optimize their returns.”

This ban on yield payments is causing a profound realignment in the stablecoin market. Capital that once flowed to traditional, yield-paying stablecoins such as USDC has been seeking alternatives, and much of it has landed with USDe. As prominent crypto trader, Cas Abbé, pointed out:

“The reason behind this growth is GENIUS Act approval, which prohibit issuers to provide yields on stablecoins.

Due to this, big money has now shifted to $USDe which provides lucrative yield.”

DeFi yield opportunities fuel demand

Ethena Labs has been able to attract this demand thanks to continued yield offerings via decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms, which fall outside the restrictions placed on federally supervised issuers. The result is a massive inflow of institutional and retail capital, propelling USDe past many of its competitors. The ENA governance token has also experienced a price appreciation of over 100% in the past month.

USDe’s $10 billion milestone is a testament to how dramatically the GENIUS Act has reshaped the stablecoin landscape. While the law tightens controls and imposes new safeguards, it has also created opportunities for nimble, DeFi-native protocols to capture yield-hungry capital, proving that regulatory shifts don’t have to stifle innovation.

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Love sports? How about managing your own dream team? If so, NFL Rivals might just become your new favorite hobby. It’s putting itself out there as one of the top mobile experiences in its niche, blending arcade football action with strategic team management and a careful sprinkling of NFTs.

Key Insights

• NFL Rivals blends arcade football gameplay with team management through an official NFL partnership
• The features optional NFT integration that allows players to truly own and trade their digital player cards
• The control system focuses on offensive action with intuitive swiping and tap-and-drag mechanics
• Success hinges on strategic team building through packs, event rewards and marketplace purchases
• The game maintains an active community across social platforms and receives regular updates

What is NFL Rivals?

Created in partnership with the National Football League and NFL Players Association, this Mythical Games title puts you in the role of General Manager, building your dream (American) football team using digital cards of real NFL athletes.

It runs smoothly on both iOS and Android, with eye-catching graphics, intuitive controls, and a variety of engaging game modes.

What really has players talking, though, is its NFT integration. No other game in its category has achieved this level of implementation. This feature gives players true ownership of their digital cards, allowing them to buy, sell, and trade in a dedicated marketplace.

It’s building a unique ecosystem where in-game success can translate to real value — a core part of Mythical Games’ blockchain vision — and it’s drawing significant attention as a result.

What’s the gameplay like for NFL Rivals?

Stepping onto the virtual field in NFL Rivals reveals a well-refined control system tailored for mobile devices.

The game prioritises offensive action, giving you direct control over passing and rushing, while delegating most defensive plays to the AI.

Offensive Gameplay

Passing uses a natural swipe mechanic — just draw a line from your quarterback to your intended receiver. Timing and precision are crucial, with each quarterback card offering different arm strength, affecting how well they perform deep throws versus short, quick passes.

Rushing plays use a tap-and-drag approach. Tap to start your running back’s sprint, then drag to manoeuvre through defenders. Quick finger movements trigger special moves like jukes, spins, and stiff arms. Power backs break tackles, while agile runners can evade with ease.

A stamina system limits speed on extended runs, adding a tactical element — you’ll need to decide carefully when to sprint or perform evasive moves.

Defensive Gameplay

Although defensive plays are mostly automated, your input still matters at key moments.

Timed taps can trigger tackles that lead to fumbles, and smart positioning can result in interceptions. Your defensive lineup’s overall strength also influences how well the AI performs — so don’t neglect it.

Recent updates have also improved kicking mechanics, adding more skill-based elements to field goals and kickoffs. In this way, NFL Rivals balances accessibility with surprising depth, offering enough nuance to satisfy even strategy-focused players.

Does NFL Rivals have many game modes?

NFL Rivals offers a range of modes to suit whatever kind of session you’re in the mood for:

Single-Player Campaign (Quick Play)

Great for beginners — this mode teaches the basics while providing early rewards and player cards.

League System

Climb competitive tiers in asynchronous PvP against AI-controlled versions of other players’ teams. A time-based energy system limits how many league matches you can play, encouraging a steady pace.

Events

Time-limited events often coincide with real-world NFL milestones like the Super Bowl, offering unique rules and bonuses. Performing well can earn rare cards and valuable currency — similar to how Rumble Kong League’s FAME token supports its competitive scene.

Tournaments

Structured competitions featuring leaderboards and exclusive rewards, designed to test your GM skills against others in asynchronous play.

Squad System

Join forces with other players in squads to share strategies and progress together. Future updates promise even more squad-focused competition, reflecting a wider trend in web3 metaverse gaming toward community-driven experiences.

How can I build a team on NFL Rivals?

This is where the dreams start to take shape. Your long-term success depends on smart team-building and steady upgrades. Here’s how to get started:

Acquiring Players

New player cards come from:

• In-game packs purchased with earned coins or premium gems
• Rewards from achievements, matches, and events
• The NFT marketplace, where specific players can be bought using credits or cryptocurrency

Cards range from Common to Legendary (and sometimes even Mythical or Luminous), with rarer cards typically offering stronger stats. This tiered model is becoming more common in web3, with projects like Azuki adopting similar systems in their TCG decks.

Upgrading Your Team

• Once you’ve got your roster, several tools are available to boost player performance:
• Use coins and training points (specific to positions) to level up cards.
• “Burn” unwanted cards to harvest resources for upgrading stronger ones.
• Collect blueprints for advanced upgrades.

Use the Synergy Collection system, which grants team-wide power boosts for completing specific card sets.

Effective Team Building Strategies

Good strategy means more than just chasing high-rated players. Focus on how attributes like speed, strength, and agility support your playstyle.

Veteran players often recommend prioritising a strong running back and core defensive players. Team Captains are especially valuable, as they enhance other cards from the same NFL team — encouraging you to collect by franchise.

Striking a good offensive-defensive balance is key across all game modes. Whilst NFL Rivals shares some DNA with other web3 trading card games, it’s also establishing its own identity.

What’s the best strategy for NFL Rivals?

Whether you’re brand new or eyeing the leaderboards, some strategies stand out:

On offense, stick to a few reliable plays rather than trying to master the full playbook. Slants and go routes are consistently effective in a variety of situations. When deeper targets are covered, check-down passes to your running back are a safe option. The double post route also sees a lot of success — it targets a sweet spot in the defence where coverage tends to break down.

For building your team, many players prefer using the marketplace website over the in-game store to find better deals.

Start by securing a solid running back — someone who can perform well even against automated defences. Once you’ve stabilised your offence, invest in defensive upgrades to keep opponents in check. NFL Rivals relies more on skill and strategy than AI-enhanced gameplay, which gives it a more grounded and human feel.

During events, keep the following tips in mind:

• Take on the highest-value opponents you can reliably beat
• Emphasise clock control by running the ball
• Aim for wide score margins to maximise event points
• Try to score last to deny opponents a final drive

Does NFL Rivals have a big player community?

NFL Rivals boasts an active player base spread across several platforms, making it easy to connect and learn from others.

Official channels include Twitter (@PlayNFLRivals), Discord, Instagram, and Facebook, where developers share updates and interact with fans. The subreddit (r/nflrivals) hosts player-created guides and discussions — with varying levels of insight.

Mythical Games has also launched Football Rivals on Telegram, expanding its football gaming portfolio. All NFT-related activity is handled via the Mythical Marketplace, which lets players grow their collections through direct purchases — not just pack luck.

Staying plugged into these communities helps you keep up with updates, learn new strategies, and get the most out of your time in NFL Rivals. Frequent updates tend to bring balance tweaks and new features, so community knowledge is vital. And if you’re following NFT developments, it helps you track broader trends, too.

Is NFL Rivals worth playing?

NFL Rivals is pushing boundaries in mobile sports gaming by blending fast-paced arcade action with strategic team building — and integrating NFTs in a way that actually feels meaningful.

Its biggest strengths are its accessible gameplay, rewarding roster development, sharp visuals, and multiple progression paths that don’t require an endless grind.

There are drawbacks — some may find the lack of defensive control limiting, and others might worry about pay-to-win elements. Like any game with tight pacing mechanics, longer sessions can sometimes feel repetitive.

Still, NFL Rivals brings something unique to the table. If you’re a sports fan or a strategy enthusiast, it’s worth checking out — especially if you enjoy team building, collecting digital cards, or diving into competitive events. Whether you’re playing casually or aiming to rise through the ranks, NFL Rivals puts the whole experience in your pocket.

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Amid the current tightening global oversight and a growing appetite for transparency in the crypto world, Tether’s position as the leading stablecoin issuer in the sector is at risk from new and rising stablecoins.

Fading Dominance Of The Stablecoin Issuer

SMQKE, an observer and researcher, shared a report that shows that the firm could lose its robust grip in the stablecoin sector. According to the researcher, the leading stablecoin issuer “will lose market dominance to regulated stablecoins like the RLUSD in the future.”

Presently, global regulations are being made that focus on the intersection of digital assets and traditional finance. One of the assets that fits nicely into these regulations is Circle’s USDC, which has won approval from the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

However, Tether’s USDT appears to be evading regulators’ demands for transparency in the way it operates its underlying assets. As a result, regulated stablecoins will continue to overtake USDT as the market leader in the future. “Only time will tell whether Tether will continue to leak market share to rivals or continue to hold sway with cryptocurrency fans,” the report stated.

Stablecoins such as USDP, PYUSD, USDG, and RLUSD steadily challenge USDT’s dominance as they reflect stronger institutional alignment. This is because official regulations govern each stablecoin and have reserves that are mainly made up of liquid, high-quality assets.  

A Major Shift From Tether Coming Soon

As the stablecoin landscape evolves, Tether, the largest stablecoin firm, continues to make steps to provide a reliable network. A recent report shows that the leading platform plans to let go of some of the top chains in the sector in the upcoming months.

In a significant move, Tether, the first blockchain-enabled platform, has announced it will discontinue USDT support on five key blockchains. Such a move is meant to streamline its operations and bolster the network’s efficiency.

The announcement was shared by the Phoenix Group, a crypto media on the X platform, on Sunday. According to the report, the impending disconnection is scheduled to take place in the next two months, particularly in September 2025.

This strategic shift by Tether tends to phase out chains that no longer meet the changing technical or community standards of the stablecoin issuer. In addition, it reflects the firm’s increased focus on preserving liquidity and security throughout its ecosystems.

The list of blockchains mentioned in the company’s report includes Omni Layer, Bitcoin Cash, Kusama Network, EOS Network, and Algorand. Tether will discontinue USDT redemptions and freeze remaining tokens on these chains starting from September 1, 2025. 

As stated in the report, Tether’s decision to cut ties with these key chains comes after a strategic infrastructure evaluation and represents a move toward more utilized and scalable networks. Prior to the September deadline, the firm has urged users holding USDT on the affected chains to redeem or migrate their tokens to other supported chains. Failure to do so before then is likely to lead to loss of funds and assets.

Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com

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Free-to-play web3 football game FIFA Rivals is now live on iOS and Android devices, allowing users to collect and exchange items such as player gear and other virtual assets.

According to Mythical Games, the response so far has been international in scope, with interest not only from major brands but also from national football bodies and telecom firms. The team believes the title could reach a player base far greater than NFL Rivals, due to football’s broader global footprint and the accessibility of mobile gaming.

Whilst FIFA Rivals is built on the Mythos Chain, FIFA itself is migrating its collectibles platform to a separate Avalanche-based network.

What is FIFA Rivals?

FIFA Rivals is a free-to-play mobile football game that uses blockchain technology to support the creation, trading, and ownership of in-game digital assets. Built on the Mythos Chain, a network developed by Mythical Games, it allows players to acquire and exchange items such as gear and player collectibles.

The game features licensed content from FIFA and Adidas, including items linked to high-profile athletes like Lionel Messi. Players can compete in matches, collect items, and participate in seasonal updates.

Whilst blockchain runs in the background, the core experience is designed for mobile users familiar with sports gaming, with optional trading features for those interested in digital ownership.

What can we expect from the game?

Based on the lessons learned from NFL Rivals, Mythical Games has focused on building what it calls a “living economy”—a system designed to keep both new and existing digital assets relevant across seasons. One key challenge the team faced with NFL Rivals was how to introduce new content without reducing the value of previous items and that experience has shaped the economic structure of FIFA Rivals.

The game’s development has also taken into account differences in user behaviour across regions. For example, European players tend to spend less money on games than their American counterparts, leading to a greater emphasis on skill-based progression rather than purely transactional systems.

Upcoming features include an AI sports agent designed to guide players through their in-game journey. Mythical Games also plans to introduce new game modes, esports competitions, and collaborations with football clubs later this year.