Upper Deck, a prominent name in the sports collectibles industry, has joined forces with The Brandr Group and CLC to introduce a brand-new range of trading cards that will focus on college athletes benefiting from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize the trading card market by showcasing the talents and accomplishments of student-athletes from various collegiate sports programs.
The World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set by Upper Deck is set to shine a spotlight on the exceptional performances of college athletes representing institutions from all corners of the nation. Featured in this collection are standout teams like the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, renowned for their remarkable fan support and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s field hockey team, boasting consecutive national championship titles. The trading card lineup will encompass a diverse array of athletes from officially licensed college programs under the CLC umbrella, which includes more than 600 premier universities nationwide.
With a legacy spanning 35 years, Upper Deck has been a trailblazer in producing top-tier trading cards and sports memorabilia for professional athletes across a multitude of sports. Through these innovative NIL agreements, Upper Deck aims to introduce trading cards that prominently showcase the names, images, likenesses, and autographs of promising college athletes. This inclusive approach extends to both male and female athletes participating in sports such as softball, gymnastics, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football.
Jordy Bahl, a decorated national champion pitcher, conveyed her delight at being featured in the trading card collection, stating, “It’s an honor to have cherished memories from my softball journey immortalized in these cards. I look forward to sharing them with my loved ones, fans, and those who have followed my career.”
Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, emphasized the significance of these groundbreaking agreements, noting, “By offering these emerging athletes the chance to build their personal brands early on, we are fostering a fair playing field for both male and female athletes in lesser-represented sports who bring immense glory to their universities and deserve recognition for their efforts. We are excited to deliver these significant early moments in their careers to collectors and fans alike.”
Jim Neish, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, underlined the impact of this collaboration, remarking, “Teaming up with Upper Deck means providing unparalleled recognition to numerous exceptional collegiate athletes, irrespective of their chosen sport. These trading cards will elevate the profiles of these players, whether they carve a path as standout student-athletes or transition to illustrious professional careers.”
The Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will be accessible for purchase at local hobby shops, retailers, and through online platforms. Enthusiasts are encouraged to follow updates on availability at UpperDeck.com to secure these captivating trading cards that honor the prowess and achievements of college athletes nationwide.
