Upper Deck, a prominent figure in the sports collectibles industry, has teamed up with The Brandr Group, a student-athlete NIL representation agency, and CLC, a leading college brand licensing company, to introduce a series of trading cards centered around college athletes. This collaboration marks a new era in trading card production, showcasing a diverse array of emerging talent in various collegiate sports.
The World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set by Upper Deck aims to honor the accomplishments of student-athletes from universities nationwide. Among the featured programs are the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, renowned for their exceptional fan support, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s field hockey team, which has secured consecutive national titles. The set will encompass athletes from a range of officially licensed college programs under CLC, representing over 600 top universities in the United States.
For over three decades, Upper Deck has been at the forefront of creating premium trading cards and memorabilia for professional athletes across different sports. With these new agreements focusing on NIL rights, Upper Deck is entering the realm of showcasing college athletes by incorporating their names, images, likenesses, and autographs into trading cards. This collection will feature stars from both men’s and women’s sports such as softball, gymnastics, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football.
Jordy Bahl, a decorated national champion pitcher, shared her enthusiasm for this endeavor, expressing how meaningful it is to have her softball journey immortalized in trading cards. “I’m honored to have my cherished moments in the sport captured in these cards. I look forward to sharing them with my loved ones, fans, and everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, emphasized the significance of these NIL agreements, highlighting the opportunity they provide for emerging players to establish their personal brand early on. He also underscored the importance of promoting equal recognition for men and women in underrepresented sports who bring significant success to their schools, deserving acknowledgment and rewards for their achievements. Masherah eagerly anticipates delivering these pivotal early career moments of student-athletes to collectors and enthusiasts.
Jim Neish, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, emphasized the impact of working with Upper Deck in shining a spotlight on countless collegiate athletes, regardless of their sports. These trading cards are set to elevate the profiles of these players, propelling them to new heights whether they continue to excel as student-athletes or transition to prosperous professional careers.
The Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will be accessible for purchase at local hobby shops, retailers, and online platforms. Stay updated on the release details by following Upper Deck’s announcements on their official website at UpperDeck.com.
