Upper Deck, the renowned name synonymous with top-notch sports collectibles, has embarked on a groundbreaking venture by striking up new licensing agreements with The Brandr Group, a prominent agency representing student-athlete NIL rights, and CLC, a key player in collegiate brand licensing. This strategic collaboration sets the stage for the release of an innovative trading card collection designed to spotlight a diverse array of college athletes competing in various sports disciplines.
The forthcoming Upper Deck project, aptly named the World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set, is set to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of student-athletes hailing from colleges nationwide. The roster of featured athletes includes standout talents from esteemed programs like the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, known for their exceptional fan following, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s dominant field hockey squad, boasting consecutive national championship wins. The trading card lineup will encompass athletes from a wide range of officially licensed college programs under the CLC umbrella, which represents an impressive lineup of over 600 prestigious universities.
With a legacy spanning 35 years in producing top-tier trading cards and memorabilia for pro athletes across diverse sports genres, Upper Deck is now venturing into uncharted territory with these novel NIL-focused partnerships. This exciting endeavor presents a unique opportunity for the creation of trading cards showcasing the name, image, and likeness, as well as autographs, of rising college sports stars. From the realms of women’s softball, gymnastics, and field hockey to men’s soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football, the trading card series will capture the essence of emerging talents in the collegiate arena.
Jordy Bahl, a decorated national champion pitcher, shared her enthusiasm about the initiative, remarking, “Having my fondest softball memories immortalized in these trading cards is truly an honor. I eagerly anticipate sharing these keepsakes with my loved ones, fans, and supporters who’ve followed my journey.”
Jason Masherah, the President of Upper Deck, underscored the significance of these NIL collaborations, emphasizing the platform’s role in providing budding athletes with the means to establish their personal brand identity early on. This initiative aims to level the playing field for male and female athletes in less mainstream sports, recognizing their invaluable contributions to their respective schools and rewarding them accordingly. Masherah expressed excitement about bringing these pivotal early career moments of these athletes to collectors and fans worldwide.
Jim Neish, the Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, also weighed in on the partnership with Upper Deck, noting the transformative impact of these trading cards on the visibility and recognition of collegiate athletes across various sports disciplines. This initiative is poised to elevate the profiles of these players, whether they carve out a legacy as standout student-athletes or venture into illustrious professional careers.
Anticipated by fans, collectors, and sports enthusiasts alike, the Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will soon be available for purchase at local hobby shops, retailers, and online outlets. Keep an eye out for the latest updates on UpperDeck.com as this exciting collaboration unfolds.
