LeBron James, the legendary NBA superstar, has made waves in the trading card industry by signing an exclusive multi-year partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. This collaboration marks the end of James’ long-standing 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 James expressed his excitement about the new partnership. He emphasized his desire to share more moments with his fans and celebrate the achievements of athletes at their peak. The basketball icon also highlighted the importance of recognizing significant milestones, as well as the subtle ones, in the world of sports.
To commemorate this special partnership, Fanatics has announced the release of a unique trading card featuring LeBron James and his son, Bronny James. This exclusive card will be part of the highly anticipated 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, scheduled to be available on January 19. The card will feature a 1/1 on-card dual autograph, showcasing LeBron in his St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high school uniform and Bronny in his USC Trojans jersey. The set will also include other notable players, such as women’s college basketball All-Americans Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, among a collection of 100 players.
Fanatics Collectibles CEO, Mike Mahan, expressed his excitement about having LeBron James on board. Mahan aims to expand the boundaries of the trading card hobby and cultivate enthusiasm among fans and collectors. Alongside LeBron’s signing, Fanatics is promoting the card release with a captivating video titled “Origin of Greatness,” narrated by LeBron James himself. The video shines a spotlight on the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners, adding an extra layer of excitement to the release.
The partnership with LeBron James is a significant addition for Fanatics, who have enjoyed a more than two-decade association with the basketball icon. Upper Deck, LeBron’s previous trading card partner, recognizes the invaluable collaborative efforts in building LeBron James’ brand into a highly coveted collectible. They also acknowledged the philanthropic work done through the LeBron James Family Foundation. With gratitude, Upper Deck bid farewell to LeBron, expressing their appreciation for having had him as part of their Upper Deck family.
This new era in collectible trading cards signifies a major development in the industry, as LeBron James brings his star power and immense fan base to Fanatics. Fans and collectors alike eagerly anticipate the upcoming releases and collaborations that this partnership is sure to bring forth. As the immense popularity of trading cards continues to grow, the alliance between Fanatics and LeBron James promises to push the boundaries of the hobby and propel it to new heights.
