American football star Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) announced Monday via Twitter that he will take his new salary in Bitcoin through Square's Cash App, and is simultaneously giving away $1 million in Bitcoin to his fans. “To all my fans out there … I’m giving back a total of $1M in BTC right now,” he wrote.
Bitcoin Salary and Contract Details
OBJ recently signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams after being released by the Cleveland Browns. According to reports, his contract includes a base salary of $750,000, a $500,000 signing bonus, and up to $3 million in team-based incentives. He confirmed that his entire salary will be paid in Bitcoin via Cash App.
$1 Million Bitcoin Giveaway
Alongside the announcement, OBJ launched a giveaway to his 4.1 million Twitter followers. By press time, multiple fans posted screenshots of receiving Bitcoin, with most receiving about $20 worth of BTC. This is not the first time Cash App has partnered with celebrities for Bitcoin giveaways — it previously collaborated with rapper Megan Thee Stallion in December last year to give away $1 million in BTC.
Growing Athlete Adoption of Bitcoin
OBJ joins a growing list of professional athletes opting for Bitcoin compensation. Last month, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he would take a portion of his salary in Bitcoin and also gave away $1 million in BTC via Cash App. Other athletes such as Russell Okung, Tom Brady, Saquon Barkley, and Sean Culkin have also requested payment in Bitcoin.
Meanwhile, the Perth Heat — a major baseball team in the Australian Baseball League — announced last week that it will operate on a Bitcoin standard. The team stated: “Perth Heat will pay players in Bitcoin, pay staff in Bitcoin, accept Bitcoin payments for sponsorships, merchandise, and ballpark concessions, and hodl Bitcoin on the club’s balance sheet.”
The trend signals that Bitcoin is increasingly being adopted as a medium for salary and operational finance in the sports industry, moving beyond mere investment.