Leaf Trading Cards has signed a licensing agreement with Rivals, a provider of football and basketball recruiting data.
The partnership integrates Rivals’ star-rating system into officially licensed trading cards for the first time. This allows Leaf to feature high school and college football and basketball prospects with their verified rankings, scouting insights, and exclusive athlete data.
“Fans and collectors will now be able to hold cards of tomorrow’s stars with the same star ratings that shape the recruiting landscape,” remarked CJ Breen, Director of Marketing & Licensing at Leaf. “By combining Leaf’s product design with Rivals’ scouting system, we’re creating a representation of athlete potential in trading cards.”
The collaboration introduces a product line that tracks a player’s progression from high school recruit to the college level. Collectors can follow athletes through Leaf’s trading card products, which will include Rivals’ recruiting insights, star ratings, and high school athlete data.
The deal includes verified rankings and evaluations, highlighting current achievements and the future trajectory of top athletes, providing exposure and value for their personal brands in the NIL era.
The Leaf brand relaunched 15 years ago Wednesday. The Texas company recently collaborated with Baylor University and Bass Pro Shops to launch a licensed trading card featuring Baylor Star QB Sawyer Robertson, who appeared at one of the latter’s stores and signed them for fans.
While it doesn’t own any major professional sports licenses, Leaf produces a variety of cards featuring legends and current stars.
Rivals, founded in 1998 and owned by On3, offers coverage of high school football and basketball recruits through player rankings, scouting reports, and recruiting news. Known for its star-rating system, Rivals connects athletes, coaches, and fans through data, analysis, and discussion, influencing college recruiting.
