Upper Deck, a distinguished figure in the sports collectibles realm, has taken a bold step by joining forces with The Brandr Group, a prominent NIL representation agency for student-athletes, and CLC, a leading collegiate brand licensing company. This strategic alliance sets the stage for the creation of an unprecedented trading card series that will showcase a wide array of college athletes from different sports disciplines.
The brainchild of Upper Deck, the World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set, is a tribute to the accomplishments of student-athletes from numerous colleges nationwide. It shines a spotlight on renowned programs such as the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, famed for their record-breaking attendance, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s dominant field hockey squad that has clinched consecutive national titles. Featuring athletes from an assortment of officially licensed college programs under CLC, which represents over 600 top-tier universities, this collection promises diversity and excitement.
A trailblazer in producing top-notch trading cards and memorabilia for professional athletes across diverse sports for over three decades, Upper Deck is now embracing the opportunity to craft trading cards that showcase the name, image, likeness, and autographs of up-and-coming college athletes. Encompassing stars from women’s and men’s sports such as softball, gymnastics, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football, this initiative aims to highlight the talent and potential of these exceptional individuals.
Jordy Bahl, a talented national champion pitcher, shared her elation, stating, “It is an honor to see some of my most cherished moments in softball captured in these trading cards. I am eager to share them with my family, supporters, and fans who have followed my journey with unwavering support.”
Jason Masherah, the President of Upper Deck, emphasized the significance of these NIL partnerships, stating, “By enabling these gifted players to establish their personal brand value early on, we are not only creating opportunities but also promoting gender equality in less represented sports where athletes achieve remarkable success and merit recognition. We are thrilled to bring these pivotal early career moments to collectors and enthusiasts.”
Jim Neish, the Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, underscored the impact of this collaboration, stating, “Teaming up with Upper Deck means recognizing countless world-class collegiate athletes, regardless of their sporting discipline. These trading cards will elevate their profiles, whether they carve out a legacy as outstanding student-athletes or embark on illustrious professional careers.”
The Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will be up for grabs at local hobby shops, retail outlets, and online platforms. Keep an eye out for further updates on the official Upper Deck website for an opportunity to grab a piece of this groundbreaking collection.
