The world of blockchain-powered sports and entertainment is taking a major leap forward as Chiliz (CHZ), the leading fintech provider for sports and entertainment, officially goes live on Mercado Bitcoin, Latin America’s largest digital asset trading platform. This strategic listing marks a pivotal moment in Chiliz’s global expansion, placing it directly in the heart of one of the world’s most passionate football nations—Brazil.
With over 1.9 million registered users, Mercado Bitcoin offers Chiliz unprecedented access to a massive, sports-obsessed audience. The listing went live at 00:01 AM São Paulo time on July 13 (11:01 AM Beijing time), with deposits and withdrawals enabled ahead of full trading, which commenced on July 14 at 8:01 PM Beijing time (9:01 AM São Paulo time). From that moment, Brazilian users gained the ability to buy CHZ tokens directly with Brazilian Real (BRL)—a seamless integration that lowers entry barriers for local fans.
What Is Chiliz and How Does It Empower Fans?
At the core of Chiliz’s innovation is Socios.com, a fan engagement platform that leverages blockchain technology to give sports enthusiasts a real voice in their favorite teams. The platform operates using fan tokens, digital assets built on the Chiliz blockchain that grant holders voting rights on non-critical club decisions—such as jersey designs, pre-match playlists, and even charity initiatives.
These fan tokens are more than just digital collectibles; they represent a new era of interactive fandom. By holding CHZ, users can purchase team-specific fan tokens and participate in exclusive polls, unlock rewards, and gain access to VIP experiences like meet-and-greets or behind-the-scenes content.
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Major Partnerships Driving Global Adoption
Chiliz has rapidly established itself as a dominant force in the sports blockchain space, partnering with some of the most iconic names in football and esports:
- FC Barcelona – Launched its official fan token BAR, which generated $1.3 million in sales within just two hours.
- Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Atlético Madrid, AS Roma, Galatasaray, and Independiente del Valle.
- Esports powerhouse OG, winners of multiple The International championships in Dota 2.
These partnerships are not just symbolic—they reflect a growing demand from clubs to deepen fan relationships through technology. In fact, Chiliz plans to onboard nearly 50 additional sports organizations between 2020 and the first half of 2025, further expanding its ecosystem.
Bridging Sports and Blockchain: The UFC Collaboration
Beyond football, Chiliz has made waves in combat sports. In May, the company announced a global partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)—a move poised to redefine fan interaction in mixed martial arts.
This collaboration aims to launch UFC-themed fan tokens, enabling fans to vote on unique experiences and content while fostering deeper emotional investment. With Brazil ranking as the third-largest market for MMA globally, this synergy creates a powerful gateway for CHZ adoption among fight enthusiasts.
“Brazil is passionate about sports—especially football and MMA. Our listing on Mercado Bitcoin makes it easier than ever for fans to join the blockchain revolution and influence their favorite teams,” said Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO and Founder of Chiliz and Socios.com.
Dreyfus referenced a joint study with Nielsen Sports that revealed compelling insights:
- 96% of Brazilians watch live sports on TV
- 86% are interested in participating in club decision-making polls
- The country boasts over 21 million registered football players
These figures underscore a cultural readiness for platforms like Socios.com—where fandom evolves from passive viewing to active participation.
Why Mercado Bitcoin Matters
Mercado Bitcoin isn’t just big—it’s foundational to Brazil’s crypto infrastructure. As the region’s most trusted exchange, its support for CHZ signals strong institutional confidence in Chiliz’s long-term value proposition.
Reinaldo Rabelo, CEO of Mercado Bitcoin, emphasized the strategic importance of the listing:
“By adding CHZ to our platform, we’re giving users access to a digital asset that offers more than speculative value—it unlocks real-world experiences and engagement opportunities. This is a milestone in our mission to diversify asset offerings.”
The integration allows users to trade CHZ/BRL pairs with low friction, encouraging both investment and utility-based usage. Moreover, it aligns with broader trends of traditional financial platforms embracing blockchain innovations that deliver tangible user benefits.
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Where Can You Buy and Use Fan Tokens?
Fan tokens issued through Socios.com are available via two primary channels:
- The Socios.com marketplace, where users spend CHZ to acquire team-specific tokens.
- Chiliz.net, the world’s first dedicated sports and entertainment digital asset exchange.
These platforms enable secondary trading, staking, and redemption of rewards—creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where digital participation holds measurable value.
As adoption grows, so does the potential for new use cases: imagine voting on stadium naming rights, choosing charity partners, or influencing esports team strategies—all powered by blockchain transparency and decentralization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What can I do with CHZ tokens?
A: CHZ is the utility token for the Socios.com platform. You can use it to buy fan tokens, participate in polls, earn rewards, and access exclusive content from partner sports teams.
Q: Can I buy CHZ with Brazilian Real?
A: Yes. After its listing on Mercado Bitcoin, users in Brazil can directly purchase CHZ using BRL, making it easier than ever to enter the ecosystem.
Q: Are fan tokens considered securities?
A: No. Fan tokens are utility tokens designed solely for engagement purposes. They do not confer equity ownership or financial rights in the clubs.
Q: How fast did FC Barcelona’s fan token sell out?
A: The BAR token raised $1.3 million within just two hours of launch, demonstrating strong global demand for blockchain-based fan experiences.
Q: Is CHZ available on other exchanges?
A: Yes. In addition to Mercado Bitcoin, CHZ is listed on major global exchanges including Binance, Crypto.com, and OKX.
Q: What’s next for Chiliz in Latin America?
A: With Brazil as a strategic hub, Chiliz plans to expand partnerships across South America, targeting football clubs, leagues, and combat sports organizations.
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Final Thoughts: A New Era of Sports Fandom
The listing of Chiliz on Mercado Bitcoin is more than a technical upgrade—it's a cultural milestone. It brings together Brazil’s deep-rooted love for sports with cutting-edge blockchain innovation, empowering millions of fans to become active participants rather than passive observers.
As more teams join Socios.com and new use cases emerge—from MMA voting rights to global esports tournaments—the role of CHZ as a bridge between fans and franchises will only grow stronger.
For Brazilian users, this moment represents accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity. For the global sports industry, it signals a shift toward decentralized engagement models that prioritize community voice and digital ownership.
The game has changed. And now, fans finally have a seat at the table.
Core Keywords: Chiliz, CHZ token, Socios.com, Mercado Bitcoin, fan tokens, blockchain in sports, sports blockchain platform, cryptocurrency exchange