Title: Upper Deck and NHL Alumni Association Extend Licensing Partnership
Subtitle: Renewed agreement cements Upper Deck as sole producer of NHL trading cards
Meta Description: Upper Deck extends partnership with NHL Alumni Association, offering physical and digital trading cards to honor hockey’s greatest players.
Upper Deck, a prominent player in the trading card industry, has reaffirmed its commitment to hockey history and memorabilia by extending its licensing agreement with the NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA). This exclusive partnership ensures that Upper Deck remains the sole licensed producer of physical trading cards featuring over a thousand former NHL athletes.
The renewal of this partnership is a strategic move for Upper Deck, as it continues to showcase its dedication to the sport of hockey. Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, recognizes the importance of the NHLAA in enhancing the company’s offerings, allowing them to feature trading cards and autographs of many of hockey’s greatest players. This collaboration enhances the collectibles market for enthusiasts, providing them with a wide range of cards to cherish.
The NHL Alumni Association, based in Ontario, has been actively supporting former NHL players. Their group licensing program, launched in 2017, allows the NHLAA to utilize the collective image rights of its members for commercial purposes. This program benefits the various initiatives of the NHLAA, including player appearances, professional-amateur tournaments, career transition programs, and an annual stick auction. The participation of hockey legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Patrick Roy adds to the appeal of the association.
Upper Deck is not the only company engaging in business with the NHLAA, highlighting the widespread commercial appeal of the association. In addition to trading cards, the NHLAA organizes various events and activities that celebrate the sport and its legacy. From honoring former players’ contributions to supporting current and future generations through career services, the NHLAA aims to preserve the rich heritage of hockey.
Glenn Healy, the Executive Director of the NHL Alumni Association, expressed his enthusiasm about extending the collaboration with Upper Deck. This partnership, which aims to “Honor the Past,” emphasizes the important role that Upper Deck trading cards play in capturing and preserving the heritage of hockey. With this renewed agreement, fans and collectors of different generations will have the opportunity to cherish and celebrate the legendary NHL Alumni who have left their mark on the game.
In an exciting development, Upper Deck revealed its plan to expand its product line to include digital trading cards. Through its Evolution platform, Upper Deck will introduce a new medium for fans and collectors to connect with the history of hockey. This addition marks a significant step towards blending traditional collecting with the digital age, revolutionizing the way fans engage with their favorite players and moments.
In conclusion, 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. This partnership also marks an exciting foray into the realm of digital collectibles, offering a new medium for fans and collectors to honor and celebrate the legacy of hockey. Together, Upper Deck and the NHLAA are preserving the history of the sport for a new era of enthusiasts.
