Upper Deck, a prominent player in the sports collectibles arena, has recently struck up licensing deals with The Brandr Group, a student-athlete NIL representation agency, and CLC, the leading collegiate brand licensing company. These collaborations mark the beginning of a groundbreaking venture to introduce a unique trading card line showcasing a diverse array of college athletes from different sports.
The new initiative by Upper Deck, the World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set, aims to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of student-athletes hailing from colleges nationwide. This includes renowned programs like the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, recognized for their exceptional fan attendance records, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s field hockey team, winners of consecutive national titles. The card set will feature athletes from numerous officially licensed college programs under CLC, representing over 600 top universities across the United States.
With a legacy spanning 35 years, Upper Deck has been at the forefront of producing top-tier trading cards and memorabilia for professional athletes in various sports. The recent focus on NIL agreements opens up an exciting avenue for the creation of trading cards featuring emerging college athletes, complete with their name, image, likeness, and autographs. This initiative covers stars from a wide range of women’s and men’s sports, including softball, gymnastics, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football.
Jordy Bahl, a multiple-time national champion pitcher, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “It is an honor to have some of my most cherished moments in softball captured in these trading cards. I look forward to sharing them with my loved ones, fans, and anyone who has followed my journey.”
Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, emphasized the significance of these NIL agreements, saying, “Not only are we providing opportunities for these talented players to establish their personal brand early on, but we are also paving the way for gender equality in underrepresented sports. Athletes who bring substantial success to their schools deserve recognition and reward. We are excited to bring these pivotal early career moments to collectors and fans.”
Jim Neish, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, added, “Partnering with Upper Deck means offering countless collegiate athletes the recognition they merit, regardless of the sport they excel in. Through these trading cards, we aim to elevate the profiles of these players, whether they go on to become top student-athletes or venture into celebrated professional careers.”
The Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will be available for purchase at local hobby shops, retailers, and online platforms. Keep an eye out for updates on UpperDeck.com for more details.