Panini America has made a bold move in the world of collegiate sports by unveiling Panini College, an innovative platform catering to college athletes looking to make a mark in the trading card industry. The groundbreaking initiative offers athletes from partner universities the chance to have their personalized trading cards under the Panini NIL brand, available for sale to fans and as cherished mementos.
The exciting launch of Panini College brings together football and volleyball players from renowned institutions such as Ohio State University, University of Nebraska, and University of Texas. While these universities take the spotlight in the initial phase, Panini has ambitious plans to broaden the program to encompass more schools and sports nationwide in the near future. This expansion will grant a plethora of athletes the platform to exhibit their name, image, and likeness.
Starting from Tuesday, September 3rd, interested parties can explore the diverse offerings of Panini College on the designated website college.paniniamerica.net. Fans can anticipate a continuous stream of new products and athlete cards introduced throughout the 2024-25 academic year, ensuring a vibrant experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Jason Howarth, the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, articulated the ethos behind Panini College, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the platform. Howarth expressed, “We believe every collegiate athlete, no matter the school, sport, or position, deserves the chance to have their own trading card.” With an emphasis on reshaping the trading card landscape for athletes of all backgrounds, Panini College aspires to elevate recognition opportunities while providing fans access to captivating collectibles.
Panini College fortifies Panini America’s overarching presence in the collegiate NIL sector, building upon a legacy of prominent partnerships with notable athletes. The platform is set to feature athletes like Lexi Rodriguez, an esteemed volleyball All-American from the University of Nebraska and Panini’s first female NIL athlete. Additionally, athletes such as Quinn Ewers, Tre Johnson, Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch are set to take center stage, further emphasizing Panini’s dedication to fostering talent and innovation.
In a nod to its commitment to the collegiate landscape, Panini previously launched the successful Caitlin Clark Collection earlier in 2023. The collection was a tribute to the extraordinary career of basketball sensation Caitlin Clark from the University of Iowa, exemplifying Panini’s support for rising stars in the collegiate sports realm.
Panini America’s foray into the world of college sports trading cards with Panini College underscores the brand’s position at the forefront of innovation. By providing athletes with a novel avenue for recognition and enabling fans to engage in a fresh manner, the platform stands as a testament to Panini’s unwavering dedication to the evolving collegiate NIL market.
