Upper Deck, a powerhouse in the world of sports collectibles, has solidified partnerships with The Brandr Group, a representation agency for student-athletes in NIL agreements, and CLC, a top collegiate brand licensing company. This collaboration sets the stage for the introduction of a revolutionary trading card series that will shine a spotlight on a diverse array of college athletes representing various sports disciplines.

Dubbed the World of Sports™ Volume 1 Trading Card Set, Upper Deck’s latest venture aims to honor the accomplishments of student-athletes from numerous colleges nationwide. Among the featured programs are renowned teams like the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s field hockey, notable for their exceptional achievements and accolades. The collection will showcase athletes from a wide range of officially licensed college programs under CLC, which boasts partnerships with over 600 prestigious universities.

With a legacy spanning 35 years, Upper Deck has established itself as a trailblazer in crafting top-tier trading cards and memorabilia for professional athletes in various sports realms. Now, armed with these innovative NIL agreements, Upper Deck ventures into uncharted territory by creating trading cards that bear the name, image, likeness, and autographs of up-and-coming college athletes. These cards will feature stars from both women’s and men’s sports, spanning disciplines like softball, gymnastics, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football.

Jordy Bahl, a standout pitcher with multiple national championships under her belt, shares her enthusiasm for this endeavor, expressing how privileged she feels to have her softball journey immortalized in these trading cards. She looks forward to sharing these mementos with her loved ones, fans, and supporters who have followed her path in the sport.

Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, underscores the significance of these NIL partnerships, emphasizing the opportunities they create for budding athletes to establish their personal brand early on. He notes the importance of providing equal recognition to both men and women in lesser-represented sports, acknowledging their immense contributions to their schools and the broader sports landscape. Masherah eagerly anticipates delivering these pivotal moments in athletes’ careers to collectors and fans alike.

Jim Neish, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at The Brandr Group, highlights the collaborative effort with Upper Deck as a means of honoring collegiate athletes across various sports. This initiative aims to elevate the profiles of these players, whether they ascend to become celebrated student-athletes or transition into illustrious professional careers.

The much-anticipated Upper Deck World of Sports Volume 1 Trading Card Set will be accessible for purchase at local hobby shops, retail outlets, and online platforms. Enthusiasts and collectors can stay informed about release updates on UpperDeck.com, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to own a piece of history in the form of these innovative trading cards that celebrate the emerging talent in collegiate sports.

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