LeBron James, the renowned NBA superstar, has recently made waves in the world of collectibles by signing an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, a division of popular sports merchandise brand, Fanatics. This groundbreaking deal marks the end of LeBron’s longstanding relationship with Upper Deck, with whom he had a previous card and memorabilia contract that concluded last year.
In a statement released by Fanatics, LeBron expressed his excitement and eagerness to embark on this new partnership. He emphasized his desire to create more meaningful moments for his fans and celebrate the exceptional achievements of athletes at the peak of their careers. LeBron also stressed the importance of recognizing both the significant milestones and subtle moments in sports that shape and inspire greatness.
To commemorate this momentous partnership, Fanatics has announced the release of a special trading card featuring LeBron and his son, Bronny James. This exclusive card will be part of the highly anticipated 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, scheduled to launch on January 19. The card will be a limited edition 1/1 on-card dual autograph, showcasing 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, including women’s college basketball All-Americans Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, among its 100 players.
Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan expressed his excitement over LeBron joining the Fanatics family. Mahan aims to push the boundaries of the hobby and foster enthusiasm among fans and collectors alike. In addition to LeBron’s signing, Fanatics is generating buzz around this card release with a captivating video titled “Origin of Greatness,” narrated by LeBron himself. The video highlights the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners, emphasizing their journeys to becoming sports legends.
LeBron’s move to Fanatics marks a significant addition for the brand, considering his more than two-decade association with Upper Deck. Upper Deck acknowledged their longstanding collaboration with LeBron, giving credit to their efforts in building his brand into a highly valuable collectible. The company also praised their work with the LeBron James Family Foundation and expressed gratitude for having had LeBron as a cherished member of their Upper Deck family.
This exclusive trading card partnership between LeBron James and Fanatics marks an exciting new era in the world of collectibles. Fans and collectors can look forward to witnessing the continued evolution of LeBron’s legacy through unique and highly sought-after cards that capture both his own iconic moments and the rising stars of the basketball world. As LeBron and Fanatics join forces, they are set to redefine the landscape of the trading card industry and ignite a renewed passion among sports enthusiasts and collectors.
