Panini America Launches Innovative NIL Platform ‘Panini College’ for College Athletes

Panini America has introduced a groundbreaking new platform called Panini College, designed to give college athletes the opportunity to have their own trading cards under the Panini NIL brand. This unique platform will allow athletes from partner universities to have their personal cards available for sale to fans, while also serving as a memorable keepsake. Participating athletes will earn compensation based on the sales of their cards, with select athletes offering exclusive autographed versions.

Initially, Panini College will feature football and volleyball players from three major schools:

• Ohio State University
• University of Nebraska
• University of Texas

Panini plans to expand the program to additional schools and sports across the country in the coming months, giving more athletes the chance to showcase their name, image, and likeness.

The platform officially launches on Tuesday, September 3rd, and will be accessible at college.paniniamerica.net. Fans can expect new products and athlete cards to roll out continuously throughout the 2024-25 academic year.

"We believe every collegiate athlete, no matter the school, sport, or position, deserves the chance to have their own trading card," said Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations for Panini America. "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."

Building on Panini’s NIL Leadership

Panini College is the latest addition to Panini’s robust involvement in the collegiate NIL landscape. Panini has partnered with prominent athletes, including:

• Lexi Rodriguez, University of Nebraska volleyball All-American and Panini's first female NIL athlete
• Quinn Ewers, Tre Johnson, Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch

Earlier in 2023, Panini also launched the highly popular Caitlin Clark Collection, celebrating the University of Iowa basketball star’s incredible career.

About Panini America

With Panini College, Panini America strengthens its leadership in collegiate sports trading cards, giving athletes a new avenue for recognition and fans a new way to engage. The platform reaffirms Panini’s commitment to innovation and the growing collegiate NIL market.