Scottie Pippen Launches $BALL to Connect Culture and Crypto

CHICAGO, IL – Scottie Pippen, the Hall of Fame basketball player, is taking a leap into the world of cryptocurrency with his new project, $BALL. Launched on April 24, 2025, the initiative aims to merge cultural significance with blockchain technology.

Pippen, widely recognized as one of the greatest NBA players, shared that his interest in crypto goes beyond just financial gains; he sees a potential for cultural connection. He expressed, “I’m here to build,” highlighting his commitment to leveraging blockchain for broader cultural narratives.

Reflecting on past experiences, Pippen noted that discussions about investing were minimal during his playing days. He mentioned Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player who successfully built a fast food franchise post-retirement, as a notable exception. “He was one of those guys we kind of idolized for what he had done,” Pippen said.

Having inspired himself through Bridgeman’s success, Pippen initially ventured into investing by purchasing Taco Bell franchises, but faced challenges that led him out of the deal. He stated, “I didn’t have the bandwidth to do it myself,” discussing how crucial it is to have knowledgeable partners.

Pippen’s cryptocurrency journey began about three years ago, fueled by curiosity and a learning process that also involved understanding Bitcoin‘s foundational role in the sector. “When you want to learn something, you look at what the best is doing,” he remarked on Bitcoin’s established position.

His project, $BALL, centers around the basketball from his first NBA championship in 1991, advocating that physical objects of cultural significance can hold value in the blockchain realm. “It’s not about an individual accolade; it’s about teamwork, and what the ball represents for the culture,” he added.

Pippen elaborated on $BALL as not just a token, but an ecosystem incorporating gaming, apparel, and media. The initiative aims to create experiences that make blockchain accessible, stating, “Most people still don’t understand crypto, but they understand ball.” Integrations with popular games and a physical-digital tour are lined up for the project.

Pippen sees potential in combining cultural weight with real-world assets, saying, “Once upon a time, people didn’t believe in Bitcoin. Now there’s a new category which are real-world objects with cultural weight.”

While navigating this new territory, Pippen remains open to guidance. He humorously recalled advice from MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor to not discuss Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto. “I’m gonna try to keep my mouth closed and follow Michael’s lead,” he concluded.