LeBron James, the iconic NBA star, has made headlines once again by striking an exclusive and multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, a division of Fanatics dedicated to trading cards and collectibles. This landmark deal with Fanatics comes after James’ previous contract with Upper Deck, a leading sports card and memorabilia company, expired last year.
In an official statement released by Fanatics, LeBron expressed his excitement about this new partnership. He emphasized his desire to connect more with his fans and celebrate the achievements of athletes in their prime. LeBron believes in acknowledging both the monumental and more subtle milestones in sports, and through this collaboration, he aims to further engage his audience and honor their support.
To commemorate the partnership, Fanatics is unveiling 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, slated for release on January 19. The card will showcase a 1/1 on-card dual autograph, depicting LeBron in his St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high school uniform and Bronny in his USC Trojans jersey. The set will also include top women’s college basketball players, such as Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, among its 100 featured athletes.
Mike Mahan, the CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, expressed his enthusiasm for LeBron joining the Fanatics family. He aims to push the boundaries of the trading card hobby and ignite the passion of fans and collectors alike. As part of the promotion for the card release, Fanatics has produced a captivating video titled “Origin of Greatness,” narrated by LeBron himself. This video showcases the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners, building excitement for the upcoming trading card set.
LeBron’s decision to partner with Fanatics marks a significant shift from his long-standing association with Upper Deck, which spanned over two decades. Upper Deck acknowledges the substantial role they played in elevating LeBron’s brand to a highly valuable collectible. They also appreciate their collaboration with the LeBron James Family Foundation, a charitable organization that has positively impacted numerous communities. Upper Deck expresses gratitude for having had LeBron as a part of their family, acknowledging the success they achieved together.
With LeBron James joining forces with Fanatics, the trading card industry is set to experience a fresh era of collectibles. Fanatics, renowned for their wide range of sports merchandise, is determined to revolutionize the hobby and connect fans with their favorite athletes in new and exciting ways. LeBron’s immense popularity and impact on the NBA make him a valuable addition to the Fanatics family, and fans can eagerly anticipate the release of the much-anticipated 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set.
In conclusion, LeBron James’ exclusive trading card deal with Fanatics marks a significant milestone in the world of collectibles. His departure from Upper Deck after a long-standing partnership creates new opportunities and excitement for fans and collectors. With his dedication to celebrating both the significant and subtle moments in sports, LeBron’s collaboration with Fanatics promises to bring a fresh perspective to the trading card industry and further engage his devoted fanbase.
