In a major shift in the world of sports collectibles, NBA superstar LeBron James has signed an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, a division of Fanatics specializing in trading cards and collectibles. This new deal marks the end of LeBron’s long-standing relationship with Upper Deck, a collaboration that had seen his brand become highly valuable in the collectibles market.
Expressing his excitement about the partnership, LeBron James stated that he looks forward to sharing more moments with his fans and celebrating the achievements of athletes at their peak. He emphasized the importance of recognizing both the significant and subtle milestones in sports, highlighting his desire to create special moments for collectors and fans alike.
To commemorate this new partnership, Fanatics has planned a special release featuring LeBron and his son, Bronny James, as part of the 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set. This highly anticipated set is scheduled for release on January 19 and will include a 1/1 on-card dual autograph of LeBron and Bronny. The card will showcase LeBron in his iconic St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high school uniform and Bronny in his USC Trojans jersey. Additionally, the set will feature other basketball stars, such as women’s college basketball All-Americans Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, among its 100 players.
The CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, Mike Mahan, expressed his excitement about LeBron joining the Fanatics family. Mahan aims to expand the boundaries of the hobby and foster fan and collector enthusiasm through this partnership. Alongside LeBron’s signing, Fanatics is promoting the card release with a unique video titled “Origin of Greatness,” narrated by James himself. The video highlights the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners, adding further anticipation for collectors and fans alike.
LeBron’s partnership with Fanatics is a significant addition for the company, marking the end of a more than two-decade association between the superstar and Upper Deck. Upper Deck acknowledged their long-standing collaboration with LeBron, noting their efforts in building his brand into a highly valuable collectible. They also acknowledged their work with the LeBron James Family Foundation and expressed gratitude for having had LeBron as a part of their Upper Deck family.
As the trading card industry continues to evolve, this exclusive partnership between LeBron James and Fanatics Collectibles signifies a new era in sports collectibles. Fans and collectors can look forward to unique and highly sought-after trading cards featuring LeBron and other prominent athletes, further enhancing the excitement and value of the hobby. With Fanatics at the helm, the future of trading cards seems brighter than ever before.
In conclusion, LeBron James’s exclusive trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles marks the end of his long-standing relationship with Upper Deck. This new era in sports collectibles promises to bring exciting and highly collectible trading cards to fans and collectors worldwide. Fanatics celebrates the partnership with a special card release featuring LeBron and his son, Bronny, as part of the upcoming Bowman University Chrome Basketball set. Fans can eagerly anticipate the release, as this new partnership is sure to create memorable moments in the world of trading cards and collectibles.
