Upper Deck, a leading sports collectibles brand, has recently teamed up with The Brandr Group, a student-athlete NIL agency, and CLC, a top collegiate brand licensing company, to introduce a series of innovative trading cards featuring college athletes. This collaboration is set to bring attention to a diverse array of talented student-athletes from various sports programs nationwide.
The World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set by Upper Deck aims to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of college athletes hailing from prestigious universities. Among the featured programs are the women’s volleyball team from the University of Nebraska, known for their impressive attendance records, and the field hockey team from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, which has secured consecutive national titles. The trading card line will showcase athletes from a wide range of officially licensed college programs represented by CLC, encompassing over 600 universities across the United States.
With a rich history spanning 35 years in producing top-notch trading cards and memorabilia for professional athletes, Upper Deck now ventures into the realm of college sports with a focus on NIL agreements. This new initiative allows for the creation of trading cards that highlight the name, image, likeness, and autographs of emerging college stars in sports like softball, gymnastics, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football.
Jordy Bahl, a successful national champion pitcher, shared her enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, “Having my softball journey captured in these trading cards is truly an honor. I look forward to sharing these special moments with my loved ones, fans, and supporters who have followed my career.”
President of Upper Deck, Jason Masherah, emphasized the significance of these NIL partnerships, noting, “We are not only empowering these talented athletes to build their personal brands early on but also championing equality in recognizing the accomplishments of men and women in sports that are often underrepresented. Bringing these pivotal moments of their careers to collectors and fans is something we eagerly anticipate.”
Jim Neish, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, further highlighted the impact of this collaboration: “Teaming up with Upper Deck means elevating the profiles of countless collegiate athletes, irrespective of the sport they engage in. These trading cards will elevate these players to new heights, whether they become iconic student-athletes or embark on illustrious professional careers.”
The eagerly awaited Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will soon be available for purchase at local hobby shops, retailers, and online platforms. Keep an eye out for updates on the official Upper Deck website, as these collectibles are set to captivate fans and collectors alike.