Upper Deck, a renowned producer of high-quality trading cards and collectibles for professional athletes, has recently announced groundbreaking NIL focused license agreements with The Brandr Group and CLC. These partnerships aim to provide visibility and representation for a diverse lineup of female and male student-athletes from various sports programs across the country. Through the release of the Upper Deck World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set, Upper Deck is celebrating the achievements and contributions of college athletes, highlighting teams like the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill field hockey champions.
For over 35 years, Upper Deck has been synonymous with excellence in the trading card industry, featuring top athletes from popular sports like hockey and basketball. With this new student-athlete NIL deal, Upper Deck is venturing into uncharted territory by creating trading card sets that showcase emerging athletes in sports such as softball, gymnastics, soccer, and more. These cards will feature the name, image, likeness, and signatures of these talented individuals, providing them with a platform to establish their personal brand value early in their careers.
Jordy Bahl, a national champion pitcher, expressed his excitement about having his softball journey immortalized in trading cards, sharing his joy with family, friends, and fans. This initiative by Upper Deck not only recognizes the achievements of student-athletes but also promotes gender equality by featuring men and women in underrepresented sports who have brought success to their schools.
Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, emphasized the importance of these NIL partnerships in empowering student-athletes to shape their futures and gain recognition for their talents. By collaborating with The Brandr Group and CLC, Upper Deck is creating a diverse trading card set that celebrates the achievements of collegiate athletes across various disciplines, setting a new standard in the industry.
Jim Neish, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, highlighted the significance of working with Upper Deck in elevating the profiles of collegiate athletes, regardless of the sport they play. These trading cards have the potential to propel these athletes to new heights, whether they continue their success in college or transition to professional careers.
The Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will be available for purchase in local hobby shops, retailers, and online platforms, offering fans and collectors the opportunity to own a piece of sports history. This initiative underscores Upper Deck’s commitment to delivering unique and authentic collectibles that resonate with fans and collectors worldwide.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Upper Deck, The Brandr Group, and CLC represents a significant step towards recognizing and celebrating the achievements of student-athletes in collegiate sports. By creating a diverse and inclusive trading card set, Upper Deck is not only honoring the talent and dedication of these athletes but also providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and accomplishments to a wider audience. Stay tuned for the release of the Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set and witness the impact of this industry-changing initiative.