NBA star Tristan Thompson is making a significant move beyond the basketball court, venturing into the tech industry with a focus on digital equity. He has partnered with World Mobile to launch Uplift, a groundbreaking community-owned mobile service designed to empower users and challenge the dominance of major wireless providers.
Empowering Communities Through Connectivity
Thompson, who serves as Uplift’s chief digital equity officer, introduced the service at the recent TechCrunch Disrupt Summit in San Francisco. The core mission of Uplift is to “take power back from Big Wireless and put it in the hands of the people,” as Thompson stated. The service offers unlimited data plans starting at an affordable $9.99 per month.
What sets Uplift apart is its community-centric model. Users can become AirNode operators, earning a portion of the network’s revenue by providing local coverage. Every subscription directly contributes to expanding the network at a neighborhood level, truly putting ownership and rewards into the hands of the community.
Blockchain-Powered and Blockchain-Inspired
The Uplift network is built using blockchain technology and a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN). This innovative approach ensures transparency and allows for equitable distribution of resources and rewards. Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile Group, highlighted the breaking point of traditional telecom, stating, “For decades, connectivity has enriched corporations while leaving billions disconnected. Uplift… proves there is a better way—one where access, ownership, and rewards are shared.”
The initial launch of Uplift will take place in Cleveland, a city significant to Thompson’s career as it’s where he played his first NBA game and was drafted. Local entrepreneurs and small businesses will host the first community-operated nodes, with plans to expand to other cities in 2026.
Thompson’s Growing Tech Portfolio
This venture into mobile services adds to Tristan Thompson’s growing presence in the technology sector. He has also co-founded Basketball.fun, a platform that tokenizes player value, serves as Chief Advisory Officer at AxonDAO, an AI-driven medical research platform, and is Chief Content Officer at TracyAI, a sports analytics platform. His involvement in these diverse tech initiatives underscores a commitment to innovation and leveraging technology for positive impact.
What do you think about Tristan Thompson’s new venture with Uplift? Do you believe community-owned mobile services are the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!