The 2022-23 Call of Duty League (CDL) trading cards have officially dropped and are now available for purchase on Upper Deck's website. While the complete checklist is still in the works, fans are eagerly anticipating cards featuring moments and players from Call of Duty: Vanguard and Modern Warfare 2.
Key Firsts for Teams and Players
This release is a milestone for CDL trading cards, as it includes the debut cards for Boston Breach, who entered the league during the Vanguard season, and OpTic Texas, formed through the merger of OpTic Gaming and Dallas Empire. Additionally, fans are hopeful for rookie cards of standout players like Scrap and possibly his teammate Ghosty, depending on when the checklist is finalized.The Evolution of Call of Duty Esports
Competitive Call of Duty has been a staple of esports since the franchise began in 2003, but the official Call of Duty League was launched in 2019 with a city-based franchise model and more structured competition. Before the CDL, players competed in the Call of Duty World League, where independent esports organizations fielded teams in a less structured, open-tournament format.The CDL has since grown into one of the premier esports leagues, and the trading card series by Upper Deck offers fans a way to celebrate their favorite players, teams, and moments.
Upper Deck and Call of Duty Trading Cards
Upper Deck first collaborated with the CDL in 2022 to release trading cards highlighting players from the Modern Warfare (2019) and Cold War seasons. This year’s set builds on that foundation, adding new players, teams, and iconic moments.This isn’t the first time Call of Duty fans have seen trading cards, though. In 2021, the franchise partnered with Mountain Dew Game Fuel to release an exclusive card set featuring stars like Seth "Scump" Abner and Thomas "ZooMaa" Paparatto. Upper Deck also introduced the 2022 Game Dated Moments set, which spotlighted rookies and major milestones, including Amer "Pred" Zulbeari and his contributions to OpTic Texas's championship run.
What to Expect in the 2022-23 Release
With the sixth CDL season in full swing, this year’s trading cards are expected to celebrate the league’s top players, moments, and fan-favorite teams. Highlights of the new collection include:- First-time cards for new teams like Boston Breach and OpTic Texas.
- Potential rookie cards for rising stars like Scrap and Ghosty.
- A celebration of the league’s transition to Modern Warfare 2, showcasing moments from the Vanguard season.
Buzz Among Players and Fans
Fans and players alike are buzzing about this year’s collection, with some CDL pros expressing excitement over collecting their own cards. The release underscores the growing connection between esports and collectible culture, giving fans another way to engage with the league.For collectors and Call of Duty enthusiasts, the 2022-23 CDL trading cards are a must-have addition. Visit Upper Deck’s website now to get your hands on this exciting new release and own a piece of esports history.