NBA fans and collectors, get ready for a new era in trading cards as LeBron James, the legendary basketball player, strikes an exclusive multi-year deal with Fanatics Collectibles. This partnership marks the end of his long-standing association with Upper Deck, as he embarks on a new chapter in his trading card journey.
In a statement released by Fanatics, LeBron James expressed his excitement about the partnership and his eagerness to engage with his fans on a deeper level. He emphasized the significance of celebrating athletes at the peak of their careers and acknowledged the importance of recognizing both the big achievements and the smaller milestones in sports.
To commemorate this exciting collaboration, Fanatics is set to release a special trading card featuring LeBron and his son, Bronny James. This highly anticipated card will be part of the 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, scheduled for release on January 19th. The card will be a one-of-a-kind, on-card dual autograph showcasing LeBron in his St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high school uniform and Bronny in his USC Trojans jersey. This collectible will surely be a prized possession for fans and collectors alike. The set will also include other notable players such as women’s college basketball All-Americans Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, adding even more excitement to its release.
Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan expressed his enthusiasm for having LeBron James join the Fanatics family. Mahan aims to push the boundaries of the collectibles hobby and ignite the passion of fans and collectors. In addition to LeBron’s signing, 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, stirring up anticipation among fans.
LeBron’s partnership with Fanatics is a significant addition for the company, given his more than two-decade association with Upper Deck. Upper Deck acknowledged their longstanding collaboration with LeBron, recognizing their efforts in building his brand into a highly valuable collectible. They also mentioned their work with the LeBron James Family Foundation, indicating the impact of their partnership beyond the trading card industry. Upper Deck expressed gratitude for having had LeBron as part of their Upper Deck family and wished him well in his new venture.
As LeBron James makes this transition to Fanatics, it signals a shift in the landscape of trading cards. With his immense popularity and influence in the sports world, his partnership with Fanatics is sure to bring about new and exciting opportunities for fans and collectors. As the release date of the special LeBron and Bronny James card approaches, collectors eagerly await the chance to add this highly sought-after item to their collections. The buzz around this partnership only continues to grow, and it will surely be interesting to see what the future holds for LeBron and his collaboration with Fanatics in the world of trading cards.