LeBron James, one of the greatest NBA players of all time, has made a significant move in the world of collectibles by signing an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. This groundbreaking deal marks the end of James’ long-standing relationship with Upper Deck, a prominent name in the trading card industry.
In a statement released by Fanatics, LeBron expressed his excitement about this new partnership. He emphasized his desire to connect with his fans in a more personal way and celebrate the achievements of athletes at their peak. LeBron understands that sports are about more than just the big moments; they are also about appreciating the smaller milestones that make the game so special.
To commemorate this exciting partnership, Fanatics will be releasing a special trading card featuring LeBron James and his son, Bronny James. The card will be part of the highly anticipated 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, set to be released on January 19. This exclusive card will be a 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. The set will also feature other notable athletes, including women’s college basketball stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, among the 100 players included.
Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan expressed his excitement about having LeBron join the Fanatics family. He believes that this partnership will take the hobby to new heights and ignite the passion of collectors and fans alike. In addition to LeBron’s signing, Fanatics is promoting the card release with a captivating video titled “Origin of Greatness,” which is narrated by LeBron himself. The video showcases the early moments and achievements of various Fanatics athlete partners, building excitement for collectors and fans.
This partnership with LeBron James marks a significant addition for Fanatics. For over two decades, LeBron and Upper Deck enjoyed a fruitful collaboration, building his brand into a highly valuable collectible. Upper Deck acknowledged their long-standing relationship with LeBron, praising their work in elevating and magnifying his brand, as well as their collaboration with the LeBron James Family Foundation. They expressed their gratitude for having had LeBron as a part of the Upper Deck family.
With this new partnership, LeBron James ventures into a new era of collectibles with Fanatics. The exclusive trading card featuring LeBron and Bronny James serves as a symbol of this exciting collaboration. As the release date approaches, collectors and fans eagerly anticipate the Bowman University Chrome Basketball set and the opportunity to own this unique piece of basketball history.
In conclusion, LeBron James’ exclusive trading card partnership with Fanatics marks a significant shift in the world of collectibles. This new era promises to be filled with exciting opportunities for fans and collectors to celebrate the achievements of their favorite athletes. As the partnership between LeBron and Fanatics takes flight, the sports collectibles industry braces itself for a wave of innovation and enthusiasm.