NBA superstar LeBron James has taken the collectibles market by storm once again, as he recently struck an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. This marks the end of his longstanding relationship with Upper Deck, with whom he had a previous card and memorabilia contract that concluded last year.
Expressing his excitement for the partnership, James stated in a statement released by Fanatics that he is thrilled to share more memorable moments with his fans and celebrate the achievements of athletes at their peak. He emphasized the importance of recognizing both the significant and the subtle milestones in sports, indicating his commitment to creating an exceptional collectibles experience.
In celebration of this groundbreaking collaboration, Fanatics is set to release a special trading card featuring LeBron and his son, Bronny James. This one-of-a-kind card will be part of the highly anticipated 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, scheduled to debut on January 19. The exclusive 1/1 on-card dual autograph card will showcase LeBron in his St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high school uniform and Bronny in his USC Trojans jersey. Additionally, the set will feature women’s college basketball All-Americans Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, among 100 players.
CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, Mike Mahan, expressed his excitement about LeBron joining the Fanatics family. He aims to push the boundaries of the collectibles hobby and foster enthusiasm among fans and collectors alike. As part of their promotional efforts, Fanatics has also released a captivating video titled “Origin of Greatness,” narrated by LeBron himself. The video showcases the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners, adding to the buzz surrounding the upcoming card release.
The addition of LeBron to the Fanatics roster is indeed significant, as he had a more than two-decade association with Upper Deck. Upper Deck acknowledged their longstanding collaboration with LeBron, acknowledging their efforts in building his brand into a highly valuable collectible. They also commended him for his partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation. Expressing gratitude for having LeBron as a part of the Upper Deck family, they wished him well on his new venture with Fanatics.
As the sports collectibles market continues to grow and evolve, LeBron’s exclusive trading card deal with Fanatics represents a new era in the industry. With his immense popularity and impact on and off the court, LeBron’s partnership with Fanatics is expected to be a game-changer. Collectors and fans can look forward to an array of innovative and highly sought-after collectibles as Fanatics aims to redefine the collectibles experience.
