Panini America has set the sports trading card world abuzz with the launch of their latest innovation, Panini College. This groundbreaking platform aims to empower college athletes by providing them with the unique opportunity to have their very own trading cards under the prestigious Panini NIL brand. Not only will these cards be available for purchase by fans, but they will also serve as cherished keepsakes for the athletes themselves, commemorating their collegiate careers in a tangible and memorable way.
The Panini College platform is set to feature football and volleyball players from three esteemed universities: Ohio State University, University of Nebraska, and University of Texas. Athletes from these partner universities will have the chance to earn compensation based on the sales of their cards, with some even offering exclusive autographed versions for avid collectors.
In an exciting move to democratize this opportunity, Panini plans to expand the program to include more schools and sports across the nation in the coming months. This expansion will give a broader range of athletes the chance to showcase their name, image, and likeness, opening up a whole new world of possibilities in the world of sports memorabilia.
The official launch of Panini College is slated for Tuesday, September 3rd, with the platform being accessible at college.paniniamerica.net. Fans can expect a continuous stream of new products and athlete cards throughout the 2024-25 academic year, ensuring that there will always be something fresh and exciting to collect.
Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations for Panini America, expressed his belief in the project, stating, “We believe every collegiate athlete, no matter the school, sport, or position, deserves the chance to have their own trading card. Panini College is reshaping the trading card market for athletes in all sports, giving them a platform to benefit from their NIL. As we add more schools and sports, we are excited to offer new opportunities for athletes to gain recognition and for fans to access exciting new collectibles.”
Panini College is the latest chapter in Panini’s ongoing leadership in the collegiate NIL landscape. The company has already formed partnerships with standout athletes such as Lexi Rodriguez from the University of Nebraska, who became Panini’s first female NIL athlete. Other notable athletes under the Panini umbrella include Quinn Ewers, Tre Johnson, Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch.
Earlier in 2023, the unveiling of the Caitlin Clark Collection further solidified Panini’s presence in the collegiate sports trading card market. The collection, which celebrates the astounding career of University of Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark, garnered significant attention and acclaim.
Panini College is a testament to Panini America’s dedication to innovation and its commitment to driving forward the rapidly expanding collegiate NIL market. By providing college athletes with a new platform for recognition and offering fans a fresh way to engage with their favorite players, Panini is set to revolutionize the world of NCAA sports memorabilia in an unprecedented manner.
