“CATCH & CASH” Legends NFT Collection to Launch

It started with their childhood dream.

I can imagine Tamika Catchings and Swin Cash as little girls practicing drills and footwork and perfecting their form, a small voice convinced they were destined for greatness growing louder with each year.

When you see images of them in photos together on the court you can immediately sense their sisterly connection, despite — or perhaps also because — they were college team rivals. They worked their entire lives to play basketball the best they could and became legends in college sports and the WNBA. They’ve both founded organizations that benefit their mission and communities and motivate young athletes through their work.

They are Hall of Fame, Class of 2021. And now they are the first female-athlete NFT on Ethernity.

In partnership with Catchings and Cash, round21 will launch “Catch & Cash” Legends NFT collection with the artist, @BLACKSNEAKERS on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 12 noon EST.

The NFT series commemorates and celebrates their dedication and legacy on the court with five separate NFTs inspired by each athlete’s journey. Catchings is a 16-year veteran and 10-time All-Star for the WNBA and Cash is a 15-year player, three-time champion, and four-time All-Star. Both Hall-of-Famers spent time with the artist to reminisce about their lives and carefully handcraft each NFT. Each NFT is a personal look into their backstory and their hope is to inspire future generations.

All the net proceeds realized by both athletes from the sale of these pieces will go directly to their respective charities: Cash for Kids and the Catch the Stars Foundation.

I asked Catchings if the project stirred any new or revealing feelings about her time as an athlete.

“This project has been an incredible journey through my experience growing up with the game of basketball. There have been so many incredible moments that have come throughout the years and this project allowed us to explore some of the memories. I never thought I’d have the success I’ve had but what is most important to me is inspiring the future generations to catch their dreams one star at a time”

In addition to being the first female-athlete NFT on Ethernity, this project has an impressively long list of “firsts,” including:

• First NFT by WNBA Hall of Famers, @SwinCash & @Catchin24
• First female athlete drop on @EthernityChain
• First athlete NFT drop @weareround21
• First partnership between @madebyanimus + @weareround21
• First sport NFT by Artist @BLACKKSNEAKERS

In the process of developing the NFTs, Cash shared “Throughout my professional career I’ve prided myself on process, growth, and alignment. Being a part of this project allowed me to learn more about the NFT space & express myself in a cool innovative way. I constantly want to Motivate, Educate and Elevate our youth and through this project we’re doing just that!”

The lasting impact of each athletes’ contribution to the game and to the world seemed like a natural fit.

“This project is at the core of round21’s mission to be a platform for athletes to express who they are through art x sport. It’s clear to us that these women have carved the path for the next generation of basketball players and — with this project — we hope to both provide support for their respective charitable organizations and inspire future female athlete NFT projects. The world needs to hear the stories of athletes from all backgrounds and we hope this project is an example of one way to approach it,” said Jasmine Maietta, the founder and CEO of round21.

Maietta felt deeply connected to the project in a personal way.

“I played professional basketball overseas after college and remember seeing Swin and Tamika here in the States setting a high bar for what is the most competitive and exciting caliber of play. I’m grateful to have been part of the process of this project. It has been a true collaboration in every sense of the word is giving this project life which makes it a labor of love.”

“The Dreamer” NFT embodies Catchings as a player and an entrepreneur, as well as aims to create opportunities for the next generation to follow their dreams. I ask Catchings what opportunities she hopes to offer through her work.

“I believe that the youth of today are the stars of tomorrow and know that many never reach their full potential because they lack positive programs, mentors, and support. This NFT drop is designed to create funds to continue helping young people through my Catch The Stars Foundation. Our focus is to provide youth positive experiences through fitness, literacy, and youth development. Ultimately, this NFT allows us to show youth that sometimes we have to step outside of our normal realms in order to keep growing and be the leaders we want to be.”

The collection drops on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 12 noon EST and is comprised of five (5) NFTs. To learn more about the Catch & Cash NFT series in full, please click here.

To learn more about the individual NFTs, please read the guide below provided by round21.

Catch & Cash NFT Collection Details

The first NFT available is up for auction on Ethernity. It is called “Faith. Family. Impact.” This custom illustration celebrates the impact and sisterhood of WNBA legends Swin Cash and Tamika Catchings and the journey that led them to the women they are today.

The second is entitled, “Bridging Legacy” and designed to spotlight Cash’s trajectory from decorated player, to successful entrepreneur, and the impact she’s made on not just the sport of basketball, but the world. The details here help further tell her story, showing her journey from the 412, to the way she’s used her platform to elevate those that come behind her.

The third is called, “Lifted Climb” and this original piece of art brings to life not only the legendary career of Catchings but the higher calling she feels to empower the next generation on the court and off. Every detail serves a purpose in telling her story — from a literal embodiment of answering when your purpose calls, to doves with wings outstretched to symbolize a journey that is still unfolding.

The fourth is titled, “The Dreamer: Swin Cash.” It is designed to highlight Cash’s ability to impact and elevate the goals and dreams of the next generations of athletes and youth like she did on the court and off with her Cash for Kids foundation. Through the use of reds and yellows, this portrait spotlights the passion and hope Cash has for the game and all those who follow in her footsteps.

The fifth is called, “The Dreamer: Tamika Catchings.” This portrait serves as a visual embodiment of what Catchings stands for as a player and entrepreneur: creating opportunities for the next generation to follow their dreams as seen through her Catch the Stars Foundation. This passion shines through the use of colors like red and yellow, as well as the young kids who she has led by example.

In addition, there is access and merchandise as part of the NFT drop. Please view the project link for details.