Upper Deck, a renowned name in the sports collectibles world, has announced an exciting collaboration with The Brandr Group and CLC to introduce a unique line of trading cards focused on college athletes’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Through these new licensing agreements, Upper Deck aims to shine a spotlight on emerging talent from a wide array of college sports.
The newly unveiled Upper Deck initiative, the World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set, is a testament to the company’s commitment to recognizing the accomplishments of student-athletes from universities nationwide. From the powerhouse University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team to the back-to-back national champion University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill field hockey team, the set will feature athletes from various officially licensed college programs under CLC’s umbrella, representing over 600 top universities across the nation.
With a legacy spanning 35 years, Upper Deck has established itself as a trailblazer in creating top-notch trading cards and memorabilia for professional athletes across multiple sports. Now, with a focus on the NIL landscape, Upper Deck is embracing the opportunity to showcase the talents of up-and-coming college athletes through trading cards that bear their image, autograph, and personal brand.
Jordy Bahl, a decorated national champion pitcher, shared her enthusiasm for being part of this innovative project: “Having my softball journey immortalized in these trading cards is truly special. I look forward to sharing these moments with my loved ones and fans who have supported me along the way.”
Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, emphasized the significance of these NIL agreements, stating, “By providing a platform for these talented athletes to establish their personal brand early in their careers, we are not only promoting gender equality but also recognizing the achievements of athletes in lesser-acknowledged sports. We are thrilled to bring these pivotal moments in their careers to collectors and fans alike.”
Jim Neish, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, echoed the sentiment, noting, “Partnering with Upper Deck means elevating the profiles of countless collegiate athletes, regardless of the sport they excel in. These trading cards will provide these players with increased visibility, whether they emerge as standout student-athletes or venture into successful professional careers.”
The much-anticipated Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will be available for purchase at local hobby shops, retailers, and online stores. Keep an eye out for further updates on UpperDeck.com as this groundbreaking collection hits the market, celebrating the rising stars of college athletics in a whole new way.
