NBA superstar LeBron James has made waves in the collectibles world by signing an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, a division of Fanatics that specializes in trading cards and collectibles. This new deal with Fanatics marks the end of his long-standing relationship with Upper Deck, with whom he had a previous card and memorabilia contract that concluded last year.
Explaining his decision to partner with Fanatics, James expressed his enthusiasm and desire to share more moments with his fans. He emphasized the importance of recognizing both the significant and subtle milestones in sports, highlighting the achievements of athletes at their peak. With this new partnership, LeBron aims to celebrate these moments and create a unique bond with his collectors and fans.
To commemorate the launch of this exclusive partnership, Fanatics will be releasing 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, which is set to be released on January 19. The card, a 1/1 on-card dual autograph, will showcase LeBron in his St. Vincent-St. Mary’s high school uniform and Bronny in his USC Trojans jersey. It will undoubtedly become a prized possession for collectors and fans alike. The set will also feature other notable players such as women’s college basketball All-Americans Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, adding to the exclusivity and excitement surrounding the release.
Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan expressed his excitement about having LeBron James join the Fanatics family. He emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding the boundaries of the hobby and fostering enthusiasm among fans and collectors. Mahan hopes that this partnership will bring even more excitement to the world of trading cards and further elevate the Fanatics brand.
In addition to LeBron’s signing, Fanatics is going all out to promote the card release with a unique video titled “Origin of Greatness,” which is narrated by James himself. The video showcases the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners, giving fans a glimpse into the stories behind their greatness. This creative approach to promotion demonstrates Fanatics’ dedication to providing an immersive and engaging experience for collectors.
LeBron James’ partnership with Fanatics is a significant addition for the company, following a more than two-decade association between LeBron and Upper Deck. Upper Deck recognized the impactful and fruitful collaboration they had with LeBron, helping build his brand into a highly valuable collectible. They also acknowledged the work they had done with the LeBron James Family Foundation and expressed gratitude for having had LeBron as a part of their Upper Deck family.
With this new partnership, the trading card world is entering a new era, where Fanatics, a leader in the sports licensing and merchandise industry, will be at the forefront of collectibles. The exclusive partnership with LeBron James demonstrates Fanatics’ commitment to bringing unique and exciting content to collectors and redefining the trading card landscape.
Fans and collectors can look forward to January 19, when the 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set will be released, featuring the highly sought-after LeBron and Bronny James dual autograph card. With the combination of LeBron’s star power and Fanatics’ dedication to innovation, this partnership is sure to make waves in the collectibles market and attract even more fans to the world of trading cards.