Crypto Craze: Why Celebs Are Back In The Game During Trump'S Second Term

Tristan Thompson's New Play: From Courtside to Crypto

Tristan Thompson, once a powerhouse on the basketball court, is making waves in the crypto world. As his basketball career winds down, the 6'9" center is pivoting into cryptocurrency, rebranding himself as an investor, consultant, and even a podcast host with "Courtside Crypto." He's rubbing shoulders with crypto's elite, celebrating events like the Nasdaq IPO of a nationalist Bitcoin mining operation with Eric Trump. Thompson's not just talking crypto – he's launching a startup set to debut in 2026.

In a world where Washington and Hollywood are rekindling their crypto love affair, Thompson's transformation is just one piece of the puzzle. Donald Trump's second term has seen a reversal of Biden's crypto crackdown, with the launch of his own $Trump token. Celebrities are back, hyping projects or launching their own tokens, while mingling with the likes of the Kardashians, known for their crypto endorsements.

“A few years ago, most celebrity crypto stuff came off like quick stunts, and now, people expect an actual plan and some kind of real value for communities, not just a splashy moment,” said Iggy Azalea.

Sports Stars and Rappers: The New Crypto Enthusiasts

Thompson isn't the only sports figure diving into crypto. Lamar Odom and Mike Tyson are also in on the action, launching coins and endorsing trading platforms. Meanwhile, Australian rapper Iggy Azalea is making her mark, not just as a spokesperson for her $MOTHER token, but as a creative director for Thrust, a platform for celebrity-branded meme coins. Despite facing insider trading allegations, Azalea continues to push forward, denying any wrongdoing.

With Trump rolling back crypto regulations, celebrities are seizing the moment. Jake Antifaev, CEO of Thrust, highlighted the appeal of meme coins, noting their potential to draw significant attention and investment, as evidenced by the $Trump token's success.

The New Crypto Landscape: Risks and Rewards

Gone are the days of celebrities jumping into crypto without a plan. The 2021 market crash and subsequent lawsuits have made A-listers cautious. Yet, the allure of crypto remains strong, with meme coins taking center stage. Celebrities now focus on direct audience engagement, launching tokens and creating their own narratives.

In this evolving landscape, Thompson's upcoming venture, Basketball.fun, aims to revolutionize sports gambling with a crypto twist. The platform will let users trade player-specific meme coins, challenging traditional betting norms. As Thompson puts it, "Why can't we challenge [the networks] and give the people an opportunity to be in control and take back their rights?"

While Thompson's crypto journey continues, he remains a vocal supporter of Trump's presidency, aligning with his economic policies and vision for America. "I stand by what President Trump's about," Thompson said, drawing parallels between Trump's plans and historical economic prosperity.

As the crypto scene heats up, celebrities are more than just faces – they're becoming major players in a game where innovation meets investment.