Upper Deck, a renowned name in the sports collectibles industry, has recently struck up exciting partnerships with The Brandr Group, a prominent student-athlete NIL representation agency, and CLC, the principal collegiate brand licensing company in the nation. These new collaborations are set to unleash a revolutionary line of trading cards that will shine a spotlight on a diverse array of talented college athletes representing various sports disciplines.
The much-anticipated Upper Deck World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set is a project crafted to honor the accomplishments of student-athletes hailing from colleges nationwide. This ambitious endeavor aims to feature exceptional programs like the University of Nebraska’s women’s volleyball team, known for their remarkable attendance records, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s dominant field hockey squad, which has secured back-to-back national championship titles. The trading card set will showcase athletes from a wide range of officially licensed college programs under CLC, encompassing over 600 of the country’s top universities.
With a legacy spanning 35 years, Upper Deck is renowned for its top-notch production of trading cards and memorabilia for professional athletes across diverse sports domains. Now, through these innovative NIL-focused agreements, Upper Deck is presented with a distinctive opportunity to craft trading cards that spotlight the name, image, likeness, and autographs of up-and-coming college athletes. This inclusive roster includes stars from both women’s and men’s sports such as softball, gymnastics, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football.
Jordy Bahl, a decorated national champion pitcher, shared her elation, stating, “It’s an honor to see some of my finest moments in softball immortalized in these trading cards. I am eager to share these with my family, friends, fans, and all those who have followed my journey.”
Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, underlined the significance of these NIL agreements, emphasizing, “By providing opportunities for these talented players to establish their personal brand early on, we are not only nurturing future stars but also advocating for gender equality by recognizing the accomplishments of both men and women in underrepresented sports. We are thrilled to bring these special moments of their early careers to collectors and fans alike.”
Jim Neish, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, chimed in, stating, “Teaming up with Upper Deck means granting countless collegiate athletes, regardless of their chosen sport, the acknowledgment they rightfully deserve. These trading cards will elevate these athletes’ profiles, whether they carve their paths as standout student-athletes or transition into illustrious professional careers.”
The eagerly awaited Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will soon be up for grabs in local hobby shops, retail outlets, and online platforms. Keep an eye out for further updates on availability through UpperDeck.com for a chance to own a piece of this groundbreaking collection celebrating the rising stars of college athletics.