Title: Upper Deck Extends Exclusive Partnership with NHL Alumni Association
Subtitle: Renewal of licensing agreement brings physical and digital trading cards to fans and collectors
Meta Description: Upper Deck solidifies its position as the sole producer of physical trading cards featuring former NHL players and introduces digital collectibles through its partnership with the NHL Alumni Association.
Upper Deck, the renowned trading card company, has recently announced the extension of its exclusive licensing partnership with the NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA). This commitment reaffirms Upper Deck’s dedication to hockey history and memorabilia, allowing them to continue producing physical trading cards featuring over a thousand former NHL athletes.
According to Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, the renewal of this partnership is a strategic move for the company. He emphasizes the important role that the NHL Alumni Association plays in enhancing Upper Deck’s offerings, providing them with access to trading cards and autographs of some of hockey’s greatest players. This collaboration enriches the collectibles market for enthusiasts and fans alike.
The NHL Alumni Association, based in Ontario, has been actively supporting former NHL players for many years. One of their pivotal developments is the group licensing program launched in 2017, which allows the NHLAA to utilize the collective image rights of its members for commercial purposes. This program includes the participation of hockey legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Ray Bourque, and Patrick Roy, among nearly a hundred Hall of Fame inductees.
Upper Deck is just one of several enterprises engaging in business with the NHLAA, highlighting the broad commercial appeal of the association. In addition to trading cards, the NHLAA’s initiatives also include player appearances, professional-amateur tournaments, career transition programs, and an annual stick auction. These activities aim to celebrate the sport and its legacy, ensuring that the contributions of NHL Alumni are honored and recognized.
Glenn Healy, the Executive Director of the NHL Alumni Association, expresses his enthusiasm for the continued collaboration with Upper Deck. This partnership focuses on “Honoring the Past” and highlights the significant role that Upper Deck trading cards play in capturing and preserving the heritage of hockey. This renewal agreement promises to allow fans and collectors from different generations to cherish and celebrate the revered NHL Alumni who have greatly influenced the game.
In an exciting development, Upper Deck has revealed plans to expand its product line to include digital trading cards, which will be accessible through its Evolution platform. This move marks a significant step towards blending traditional collecting with the digital age, offering fans and collectors a unique medium to connect with the history of hockey.
Overall, the extended licensing agreement between Upper Deck and the NHL Alumni Association solidifies Upper Deck’s exclusive rights to produce and distribute physical trading cards of former NHL players. Additionally, with the introduction of digital collectibles, this partnership offers a new avenue for fans and collectors to engage with the legacy of hockey. As the industry continues to evolve, Upper Deck remains at the forefront, honoring the past while embracing the future for hockey enthusiasts worldwide.
