UCLA Gymnastics Launches Trading Card Program to Benefit College Athletes
Last Updated on February 4, 2025
In a groundbreaking move to further empower their college athletes, UCLA has launched an exclusive trading card collection featuring members of its renowned women’s gymnastics team. The initiative is part of an ongoing effort to enhance name, image, and likeness opportunities for its college athletes, allowing them to benefit financially while engaging with their fans.
The Bruins have partnered with ONIT Athlete for an NIL deal featuring trading cards of their athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles. Each Bruin gymnast has their own card, and the sets are available in multiple tiers to help generate revenue for the athletes while keeping memorabilia affordable for fans.
Single packs with 14 total cards consisting of base cards, parallels, and rare specialty trade cards cost $12.99, while a $70 platinum box includes six single packs and one guaranteed autographed card. Fans can also purchase a $120 super box featuring two autographs, one guaranteed from Chiles. ONIT Athlete announced the partnership on Instagram, showcasing gymnast Emily Klee signing cards and highlighting the well-designed collection in UCLA’s colors.
Other gymnastics teams, such as the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Florida Gators, have also utilized ONIT Athlete trading cards. These teams also provide tiered purchasing options, with single packs, platinum boxes, and super boxes.
The trading card program allows fans to collect limited-edition memorabilia while directly supporting their favorite UCLA gymnasts. This initiative mirrors a growing trend in collegiate athletics, where schools and athletes are exploring creative ways to maximize NIL rights.
Since the NIL landscape changed in 2021, athletes across various sports have sought opportunities to monetize their brand while maintaining NCAA eligibility. UCLA’s trading card launch underscores the school’s commitment to supporting student-athletes in navigating this new era of collegiate sports business.
Partnering with ONIT Athlete provides a valuable opportunity to elevate female athletes in a market that often overlooks them. Historically, trading cards have excluded women, making this initiative both a financial resource and a meaningful keepsake for the athletes. As schools seek new ways to support student-athletes, UCLA’s approach offers a strong blueprint for integrating women’s sports into NIL opportunities.
With trading cards continuing to gain popularity as a revenue stream for athletes, UCLA’s latest move could set a precedent for other women’s sports programs looking to merge tradition with modern NIL opportunities. Fans can expect these exclusive collectibles to become a staple in athlete branding efforts, further cementing the importance of NIL in shaping the future of college sports.
