LeBron James, the renowned NBA superstar, has made a significant move in the world of collectibles by signing an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. This division of Fanatics specializes in trading cards and collectibles, bringing an exciting new era to the world of sports memorabilia. LeBron’s previous card and memorabilia contract with Upper Deck came to a close last year, making this partnership with Fanatics a groundbreaking development in the industry.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new partnership, LeBron stated that he is thrilled to share more moments with his fans and celebrate the achievements of athletes at their peak. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging both the significant and subtle milestones in sports, demonstrating his commitment to the hobby and its fans.
To mark this collaboration, Fanatics will release a special trading card featuring LeBron and his son, Bronny James, as part of the 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, expected to come out on January 19. This exclusive card will be 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 feature highlights from women’s college basketball, with players such as Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers among the 100 athletes featured.
CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, Mike Mahan, expressed his excitement about having LeBron join their family. He aims to expand the boundaries of the collectibles hobby and foster enthusiasm among fans and collectors alike. In addition to LeBron signing with Fanatics, a unique video titled “Origin of Greatness” has been released, narrated by LeBron himself. The video highlights the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming card release.
LeBron’s partnership with Fanatics marks a significant addition for the company, as it follows a more than two-decade association between LeBron and Upper Deck. Upper Deck acknowledged their longstanding collaboration with LeBron, acknowledging their role in building his brand into a highly valuable collectible. They also mentioned their dedication to supporting the LeBron James Family Foundation. Upper Deck expressed gratitude for having had LeBron as a part of their family, demonstrating the respect and appreciation they have for his contributions to the industry.
As LeBron James embarks on this new chapter with Fanatics, the world of trading cards and collectibles eagerly awaits the release of the special card featuring LeBron and his son. This collaboration not only celebrates the achievements of LeBron James but also paves the way for exciting future developments in the world of sports memorabilia. Fans and collectors can look forward to a new era of unique and captivating trading cards, courtesy of LeBron James and Fanatics Collectibles.
