LeBron James, the legendary NBA superstar, has made a major move in the world of collectibles by signing an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. This division of Fanatics specializes in trading cards and collectibles, and the deal marks the end of LeBron’s long-standing relationship with Upper Deck.
In a statement released by Fanatics, LeBron expressed his excitement for this new partnership. He spoke about his desire to share more moments with his fans and celebrate the achievements of athletes at their peak. LeBron emphasized the importance of recognizing both the significant and subtle milestones in sports, highlighting his dedication to the hobby of collecting.
To kick off this exciting partnership, Fanatics is set to release a special card featuring LeBron and his son, Bronny James. This unique card, part of the 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, will be a 1/1 on-card dual autograph. It will showcase a young LeBron in his St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high school uniform and Bronny in his USC Trojans jersey. This collectible aims to captivate fans’ imaginations and celebrate the connection between generations.
The Bowman University Chrome Basketball set will also feature other notable athletes, including women’s college basketball All-Americans Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. With a total of 100 players included in the set, Fanatics is highlighting the diverse talent in the sporting world and showcasing the growing popularity of women’s basketball.
Fanatics Collectibles CEO, Mike Mahan, expressed his excitement about LeBron joining the Fanatics family. He aims to expand the boundaries of the hobby and foster enthusiasm among fans and collectors. Alongside LeBron’s signing, Fanatics is also promoting the card release with a unique video titled “Origin of Greatness.” This video, narrated by LeBron himself, takes viewers on a journey through the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners and highlights their journeys to greatness.
The partnership between LeBron and Fanatics is a significant addition for the company. Upper Deck, with whom LeBron had a more than two-decade association, acknowledged their longstanding collaboration. They recognized their efforts in building LeBron’s brand into a highly valuable collectible and their partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation. Upper Deck expressed gratitude for having had LeBron as a part of their Upper Deck family and wished him the best in his new ventures.
As LeBron begins this new chapter in his trading card journey, fans and collectors eagerly anticipate the exciting releases and collaborations that will emerge from this partnership. With Fanatics’ dedication to innovation and LeBron’s unparalleled impact on the game of basketball and pop culture, this exclusive trading card deal promises to be a game-changer in the world of collectibles.
