Beyond institutional investors, XRP is increasingly gaining traction in the sports industry as its price edges higher. Notably, the crypto asset has experienced a strong upswing this week, jumping 17% following this year’s positive XRP ETF news. On Thursday, Kelly Stewart, widely known as “Kelly in Vegas,” a popular sports analyst, weighed in on the ongoing debate over XRP’s potential, identifying key indicators that could signal a path to $100. “ If XRP hits $100, there will be signs,” Stewart tweeted in response to a discussion about Kansas State University’s search for new revenue sources. Notably, K-State’s athletic department is looking to generate over $20 million ahead of the 2025-26 academic year, a pivotal period when colleges are expected to begin revenue-sharing with student-athletes. According to a report, the university is exploring multiple strategies to bridge this funding gap, including expanded beer sales, naming rights, and on-field football sponsorships. Stewart’s comment quickly gained traction within both the crypto and sports betting communities, igniting discussions about potential financial opportunities for K-State. “If/when it does, give me a call, and we will make a deal. That goes for anyone out there that might want to showcase their brand at K-State and the 20+ million TV viewers we had this past season,” Shawn Becket, Senior Manager of Business Development for Kansas State Athletics replied. Becket’s statement hinted at the possibility of XRP-powered sponsorships or advertising opportunities at K-State, reinforcing the growing intersection between crypto and sports. If the university were to integrate XRP, it could unlock new revenue streams, particularly given the rapid adoption of digital assets across the sports sector. Kansas State Athletics has already transitioned to an entirely cashless payment system across its venues, including ticket offices, concessions, parking, and merchandise stores. Currently, it accepts credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay, but has yet to embrace cryptocurrency payments officially. Meanwhile, across the sports industry, some teams have been integrating cryptocurrency into their business models, with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks and European soccer powerhouse SL Benfica all embracing BTC, ETH, DOGE, SHIB, and other coins for ticketing and merchandise purchases. Japan’s SBI e-Sports even compensates players in XRP, showcasing the currency’s growing utility. That said, beyond expanding sponsorship partnerships, several factors will further play a crucial role in XRP reaching the $100 milestone. Regulatory clarity in the U.S. remains a key catalyst, as legal battles continue to influence investor sentiment. A favorable outcome could attract institutional investors and bolster market confidence. Additionally, the approval of a spot XRP ETF would significantly increase demand, making the asset more accessible to traditional investors.
