Arch Manning just signed his first NIL deal July 25, and the market for the heralded Texas Longhorns freshman is red-hot.
How hot? Manning’s first NIL deal, with the Panini America trading card company, authorized the sale of a one-of-a-kind, Prizm Black, autographed card through an auction.
According to the New York Post, that card sold this week for $102,500. That’s far from a record, of course, in a hobby where rare sports cards routinely fetch millions of dollars.
But for a third-string freshman quarterback who has never played a single snap, it’s an impressive haul.
It is an attractive card.
PANINI AMERICA SIGNS ARCH MANNING TO FIRST NIL PARTNERSHIP WITH EXCLUSIVE AUTOGRAPH TRADING CARD AGREEMENT pic.twitter.com/QdSYrKnAHS
— Blogs Hobby Shop (@BlogsHobby) July 25, 2023
There’s a catch, however — under terms of Manning’s multiyear NIL deal, proceeds from the sale will go to benefit charity. The auction price also included a meet-and-greet session with Manning and a chance to catch passes with him on the field.
Manning had garnered some criticism after he signed the NIL contract, because his family had vowed he would not sign such a deal until he was the Longhorns starter. But he said in a statement at the time he thought it was a worthwhile cause.
“Getting my first Panini trading card is something I couldn’t have imagined growing up,” Manning said (via ESPN). “Working with Panini to have my first trading card benefit the larger community is special. Helping children live healthy and fulfilling lives is something that has always been important to my family.”
