DAOs or Community Ownership?
There are many football DAO projects (DAO = decentralized, autonomous organizations) popping up in response to how football is governed, financed, perpetuates / deepens inequalities etc. etc. Like this one: FootballXYZ. DAO football projects are striving for authentic community, collective decision-making, transparency, and accessibility, among other things.
I am following these projects with much curiosity. And am having enriching conversations about the future of football more generally. At the same time I´m getting to know the ins and outs of the club I´ve just joined the Board of Directors of: LEWES FC, UK.
It´s not a DAO, but Lewes FC really is doing and running football differently. It´s a local football club that sees itself as a sacred community asset, while also being a platform to bring together a global community with shared values. There are currently 2000 Owners from 34 countries. That´s an engaged, authentic community of 2100 individuals (and counting) who believe in transparency, accesibility, and collective decision-making in football. The annual fee of being an Owner (1 share,1 vote) is £50-100 and there is an Owners App which means that Owners like me, being 1000 miles away, can decide on key decisions like which home shirt design we should have or get breaking club news. Fun right?!
Ultimately it´s a really awesome club! Investing in men and women equally. Saying no to betting sponsors. Serving vegan pies on matchday! Led by a female CEO. What´s not to love! If you dig this, and want to contribute to the success of a project like this and help it be part of the future of football, we would love to have you join us as an Owner. #FansOfChange
