LinksDAO Ventures into Community Token as NFTs Fade from Popularity

LinksDAO, once at the forefront of the NFT craze with its ambitious plan to purchase a golf course, is now focusing on launching its own community token. The move to introduce the LINKS token comes at a time when the NFT market has cooled significantly, and the hype surrounding non-fungible tokens has diminished.

In early 2022, LinksDAO sold nearly 10,000 membership NFTs, raising $10 million to fund its vision of buying a golf course. However, with the decline in the NFT market and shifting trends in the crypto space, the organization is adapting to stay relevant. CryptoSlam’s NFT Index has seen a staggering 97% drop since its peak, reflecting the fading interest in NFTs as the crypto landscape shifts toward other assets, such as memecoins.

In a recent community call, LinksDAO founder Mike Dudas revealed that the upcoming LINKS token will be deeply tied to the world of golf and its growing community. “We’re launching a community token that embodies the culture of golf and can offer new opportunities for the community,” said Dudas. The token is also designed to comply with regulatory requirements, ensuring its viability in the current market.

The LINKS token will be launched on the Base blockchain in the coming months, with one-third of the token supply reserved for LinksDAO NFT holders. Smaller allocations will be distributed to other major NFT communities, including Pudgy Penguins and Bored Ape Yacht Club, to broaden its reach and utility.

Despite its potential for financial gain, LINKS is being framed as a community-building tool rather than a speculative investment. LinksDAO is positioning the token as a way to expand the reach of its crypto golf club and enhance the experience for members.

LinksDAO’s efforts in the golf industry are also progressing. In 2023, the organization acquired a golf course in Scotland, and it is now in negotiations to acquire a stake in Hillcrest Golf Course in Kansas City. The course, designed by renowned architect Donald Ross in 1915, is undergoing a $30 million renovation under current owner Robb Heineman. If approved by LinksDAO’s NFT holders, the deal will make LinksDAO a minority stakeholder in the course, further cementing its involvement in the world of golf.

The Hillcrest deal also signals a shift in LinksDAO’s operations, as it plans to offer exclusive memberships to NFT holders. This reflects the growing importance of the community token and the blending of crypto and golf in the organization’s future plans.

While LinksDAO is not a fully decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), it operates more as a club for crypto enthusiasts with a passion for golf. The shift towards a community token reflects the evolving crypto landscape and LinksDAO’s commitment to adapting its vision to the changing market.