Upper Deck, a prominent player in the world of sports collectibles, is taking a giant leap towards recognizing and empowering college athletes through a groundbreaking partnership. By teaming up with The Brandr Group, a leading student-athlete NIL representation agency, and CLC, the primary collegiate brand licensing company in the nation, Upper Deck is set to showcase a fresh line of trading cards focusing on name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights of college athletes.
The forthcoming Upper Deck World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set is a testament to the dedication and talent of student-athletes from diverse colleges nationwide. From the awe-inspiring University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team to the triumphant University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s field hockey squad, these cards will shine a spotlight on a multitude of athletes across various sports. The collaboration with CLC, representing over 600 top universities, ensures a wide array of officially licensed college programs will be featured in this innovative card set.
With a legacy of 35 years in the sports trading card industry, Upper Deck has set high standards for quality and authenticity catering to professional athletes worldwide. Now, with a sharp focus on NIL rights, Upper Deck is delving into the realm of emerging college athletes. From softball to gymnastics, field hockey to soccer, and basketball to football, these trading cards will showcase the talents and stories of both male and female athletes, allowing fans to connect with the rising stars in the collegiate sports arena.
National champion pitcher Jordy Bahl expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It is an honor to have my softball journey immortalized in these trading cards. I am thrilled to share my story with fans, family, and all those who have supported me.” President of Upper Deck, Jason Masherah emphasized the significance of these NIL agreements in empowering athletes and promoting gender equality in underrepresented sports, noting the importance of rewarding success regardless of gender or sport.
Jim Neish, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the role of these trading cards in elevating the profiles of collegiate athletes across all sports. This partnership aims to provide recognition and visibility to student-athletes, regardless of the sport they excel in, paving the way for future success both on and off the field.
The Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will soon be available for purchase at local hobby shops, retailers, and online platforms. Stay tuned to UpperDeck.com for the latest updates on this exciting venture, where the future stars of collegiate sports will come to life through these innovative trading cards.
