Upper Deck, a prominent name in the world of sports collectibles, has joined forces with The Brandr Group and CLC to introduce a groundbreaking line of trading cards focused on college athletes. The agreements with The Brandr Group, a student-athlete NIL representation agency, and CLC, a leading collegiate brand licensing company, mark a significant step in the realm of sports memorabilia.
The newly unveiled project, the Upper Deck World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set, aims to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of student-athletes from various colleges nationwide. Among the featured programs are the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, renowned for its record attendance, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s dominant field hockey team, which has secured consecutive national titles. The trading card set will showcase athletes from a diverse selection of officially licensed college programs under CLC, encompassing more than 600 top universities in the country.
With a legacy spanning 35 years, Upper Deck has established itself as a trailblazer in crafting top-notch trading cards and memorabilia for professional athletes across a multitude of sports. Now, through these innovative NIL-focused partnerships, Upper Deck has the distinctive opportunity to produce trading cards incorporating the name, image, likeness, and autographs of emerging college athletes. The lineup will include stars from both men's and women's sports, spanning disciplines such as softball, gymnastics, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football.
Jordy Bahl, a multiple-time national champion pitcher, shared her enthusiasm about the venture, stating, "It is a privilege to have some of my sweetest memories in the game of softball immortalized in these trading cards. I cannot wait to share them with my family, loved ones, fans, and all those who have been a part of my journey."
Jason Masherah, the President of Upper Deck, emphasized the significance of these NIL agreements, saying, "By providing opportunities for these talented players to establish their personal brand value early on, we are not only recognizing their achievements but also championing equal opportunity for men and women in underrepresented sports who bring great glory to their schools and deserve recognition for it. We are excited to bring these pivotal early moments of their careers to collectors and fans alike."
Jim Neish, the Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, added his perspective, "Collaborating with Upper Deck means offering countless world-class collegiate athletes the acknowledgment they merit, regardless of their sport. These trading cards will elevate the profiles of these players, whether they emerge as extraordinary student-athletes or forge 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 online platforms. For the latest updates, enthusiasts can keep an eye on UpperDeck.com for further announcements and release information.
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