Nelly Korda’s Upper Deck Deal: A Sign of Golf’s Collectibles Boom
Nelly Korda, the two-time major champion, has signed an exclusive athlete deal with Upper Deck, signaling a growing trend of investment in golf collectibles and a heightened focus on women’s representation within the sports memorabilia market. The announcement, following Korda’s win at the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, underscores her rising star power and the increasing appeal of LPGA athletes to collectors.
The Rising Value of Golf Memorabilia
Upper Deck, a leader in sports and entertainment collectibles for 25 years, is strategically expanding its golf offerings. This partnership with Korda, alongside established names like Tiger Woods, Collin Morikawa, Rose Zhang, and Lydia Ko, demonstrates a commitment to elevating the sport’s presence in the collectibles world. The company’s focus isn’t solely on established stars. Korda’s “Young Guns” card, launching February 18, is designed to capture the excitement surrounding emerging talent.
The collectibles market has seen significant growth in recent years, fueled by increased interest from both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts. Upper Deck’s move to include Korda reflects a broader trend of diversifying collectible offerings and recognizing the value of female athletes.
Women’s Golf and the Collectibles Market
Korda’s deal with Upper Deck highlights a crucial shift: increased representation of women in sports collectibles. Historically, the market has been heavily dominated by male athletes. However, with the growing popularity of women’s golf – and Korda’s own impressive achievements, including a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics and seven wins on the LPGA Tour in 2024 – collectors are increasingly seeking out memorabilia from LPGA stars.
This trend is driven by several factors, including the increasing visibility of women’s sports, the success of athletes like Korda, and a growing awareness of the historical underrepresentation of women in the collectibles market. Upper Deck’s commitment to expanding representation within the women’s game is a direct response to this demand.
What Collectors Can Expect
Fans and collectors can anticipate a range of Korda-themed collectibles, including her debut in 2026 Upper Deck Golf trading cards, the highly anticipated “Young Guns” card, and items from the Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) memorabilia line. UDA offerings include signed polos, visors, exclusive artwork, and other limited-edition items commemorating her career.
These collectibles are available through Certified Diamond Dealers, mass retailers, and Upper Deck’s e-Pack™ platform, making them accessible to a wide audience. The curated selection of items aims to provide fans with unique ways to commemorate Korda’s achievements and connect with her career.
The Impact of Upper Deck’s 25th Anniversary
This partnership coincides with Upper Deck’s 25th anniversary of producing premium golf products. The company’s long history in the collectibles industry positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for golf memorabilia and to deliver high-quality products that appeal to both seasoned collectors, and newcomers.
According to Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, Korda “transcends her sport and becomes a cultural icon.” This recognition underscores the company’s belief in Korda’s potential to attract new collectors to the hobby.
FAQ
Q: What is a “Young Guns” card?
A: A “Young Guns” card is a highly sought-after rookie card featuring promising new athletes.
Q: Where can I buy Nelly Korda Upper Deck collectibles?
A: Collectibles are available at Certified Diamond Dealers, mass retailers, and Upper Deck’s e-Pack™ platform.
Q: What is Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA)?
A: UDA is Upper Deck’s memorabilia line, featuring signed items and exclusive artwork.
Q: Who else does Upper Deck represent in golf?
A: Upper Deck also represents Tiger Woods, Collin Morikawa, Rose Zhang, and Lydia Ko.
Explore more about Nelly Korda’s career and the latest in LPGA news here.
