LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has made a major move in the world of trading cards. The NBA superstar has signed an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, a division of Fanatics known for its expertise in trading cards and collectibles. This deal signals the end of LeBron’s long-standing relationship with Upper Deck, a company he had been associated with for over two decades.
In a statement released by Fanatics, LeBron expressed his excitement about the partnership and his desire to connect with his fans on a deeper level. He emphasized the importance of celebrating the achievements of athletes, both big and small, and creating meaningful moments for sports enthusiasts.
As a special tribute to this partnership, Fanatics will release a limited edition trading card featuring LeBron and his son, Bronny James. This card will be part of the highly anticipated 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, scheduled for release on January 19. The exclusive 1/1 on-card dual autograph will showcase LeBron in his iconic St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high school uniform, while Bronny will be featured in his USC Trojans jersey. This unique card is sure to be a prized possession for any fan or collector.
The Bowman University Chrome Basketball set will also feature other notable players, including women’s college basketball stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. With a total of 100 players in the set, including both men and women athletes, it aims to highlight the diverse talent and achievements in college basketball.
Mike Mahan, the CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, expressed his excitement about LeBron joining the Fanatics family. He sees this partnership as an opportunity to further elevate the trading card hobby and ignite enthusiasm among fans and collectors. To celebrate this collaboration, Fanatics has released a captivating video titled “Origin of Greatness,” narrated by LeBron himself. The video showcases the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners, providing a glimpse into their journey to greatness.
LeBron’s partnership with Fanatics marks a significant change after his long-standing association with Upper Deck. Upper Deck acknowledged the years they have spent building LeBron’s brand into a valuable collectible and working closely with the LeBron James Family Foundation. They expressed their gratitude for having had LeBron as part of the Upper Deck family and wished him success in his new venture.
With this exclusive trading card deal, LeBron James is not only entering a new era in collectibles but also widening his reach to fans and collectors worldwide. Fanatics and LeBron’s shared goal of celebrating athletes at the pinnacle of their careers promises an exciting future for trading card enthusiasts and basketball lovers alike. Stay tuned for more updates and releases from this dynamic partnership between LeBron James and Fanatics Collectibles.