IRVINE, Calif. — July 8, 2026 — Concordia University Irvine announced Wednesday a new partnership with Athlete's Thread, a leading provider of officially licensed Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) merchandise and trading cards. This collaboration is designed to expand NIL opportunities for Golden Eagles student-athletes by providing innovative merchandising solutions and unique collectible products.
Through this partnership, Athlete's Thread will work directly with Concordia University Irvine and its student-athletes to deliver high-quality NIL merchandise and trading cards, leveraging university platforms to amplify and distribute athlete-driven products.
Concordia University Irvine is committed to fostering a supportive environment where student-athletes can succeed both on and off the field. By partnering with Athlete's Thread, the university is enhancing its ability to provide meaningful NIL opportunities that extend beyond competition and into long-term personal and professional development.
"We are thrilled to partner with Athlete's Thread to bring innovative NIL opportunities to our student-athletes," said Concordia University Irvine V.P. of Athletics
Crystal Rosenthal. "This collaboration aligns with our mission to support the holistic development of our athletes by providing them with new platforms to showcase their personal brands and engage with the Golden Eagles community."
Athlete's Thread currently partners with more than 415 colleges nationwide and supports over 50,000 student-athletes. The platform offers a full suite of NIL merchandise, including custom apparel, jerseys, trading cards, and personalized designs — giving athletes new ways to connect with fans and generate income.
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"This partnership with Concordia University Irvine represents another important step in expanding NIL access and opportunities for student-athletes," said Karthik Shanadi, CEO of Athlete's Thread. "We're excited to work with the university to deliver best-in-class merchandise and trading card products that help Golden Eagles athletes grow their brands and deepen fan engagement."
In addition to merchandise, Athlete's Thread's trading card offerings introduce a unique and collectible element to NIL, allowing fans, alumni, and supporters to engage with Golden Eagles student-athletes in new and exciting ways.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation, athlete empowerment, and the continued evolution of NIL opportunities within collegiate athletics.
About Concordia University Irvine: Concordia University Irvine is a private Lutheran University located in Irvine, California, and competes at the NCAA Division II level. The majority of sports teams at Concordia compete in the PacWest Conference. Exceptions include men's volleyball (MPSF), men's lacrosse (RMAC), women's swim & dive (PCSC) and both water polo teams (WWPA). Home of the Golden Eagles, Concordia is dedicated to developing wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens — supporting student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence both in competition and in the classroom.
About Athlete's Thread: Athlete's Thread is a leading supplier of NIL merchandise, working with 415+ colleges and providing over 50,000+ student-athletes with high-quality NIL merchandise, custom designs, jerseys, and trading cards. The company is committed to empowering student-athletes to leverage their NIL rights and build their personal brands.
