Upper Deck, a prominent figure in the sports memorabilia industry, has forged partnerships with The Brandr Group, a representation agency focusing on student-athlete NIL, and CLC, a leading collegiate brand licensing company. These collaborations signal the arrival of a revolutionary trading card series showcasing a diverse array of college athletes spanning various sports disciplines.
The newly unveiled Upper Deck initiative, 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. Among the featured programs are the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, renowned for their exceptional fan support, and the back-to-back national champion University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill field hockey team. The collection will showcase athletes from a multitude of officially licensed college programs under CLC, representing over 600 prestigious universities across the country.
With a legacy of 35 years in producing top-tier trading cards and memorabilia for professional athletes, Upper Deck is seizing the opportunity presented by these novel NIL-focused agreements to craft cards embodying emerging college athletes’ name, image, likeness, and autographs. The trading cards will encompass talents from a wide spectrum of women’s and men’s sports, including softball, gymnastics, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football.
Jordy Bahl, a decorated national champion pitcher, shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Having my cherished softball moments enshrined in these trading cards is truly an honor. I eagerly anticipate sharing them with my loved ones, supporters, and fans who have been part of my journey.”
Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, emphasized the significance of these NIL agreements, remarking, “Our aim is not only to provide a platform for these gifted players to cultivate their personal brand early on but also to establish equity for men and women in lesser-represented sports who bring accolades to their institutions and merit recognition. 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, underscored the impact of the collaboration, stating, “Teaming up with Upper Deck means granting numerous exceptional collegiate athletes the acknowledgment they rightly deserve, regardless of their sport. Through these trading cards, we are propelling these players’ profiles to new heights, be it as standout student-athletes or as they carve out illustrious professional careers.”
The debut of the Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will offer enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire these unique collectibles at local hobby shops, retailers, and online platforms. For further updates, keep an eye on UpperDeck.com.
