Anthony Davis, Panini Now Exclusive Trading Card Partners
Panini America has reached an exclusive multi-year trading card agreement with Anthony Davis, the No. 1 overall pick of the New Orleans Hornets in the 2012 NBA Draft. Davis is the fourth No. 1 overall pick to sign exclusively with Panini America since 2009. Past No. 1 overall picks include Blake Griffin, John Wall and Kyrie Irving.
The agreement grants Panini America exclusive rights to produce autographed trading cards of Davis. Previously, Panini had announced that it had signed exclusive deals with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (No. 2 overall, Charlotte Bobcats), Thomas Robinson (No. 5 overall, Sacramento Kings), Harrison Barnes (No. 7 overall, Golden State Warriors), Andre Drummond (No. 9 overall, Detroit Pistons), Austin Rivers (No. 10 overall, New Orleans Hornets), John Henson (No. 14 overall, Milwaukee Bucks) and Jared Sullinger (No. 21 overall, Boston Celtics).
In all, Panini has now confirmed autographed trading card deals with 54 of the 60 NBA Draft Picks, as well as 12 undrafted NBA rookies – ensuring that all of the NBA’s key rookies will be featured as part of the Panini Double Rookie Class.
A talented crop of 2012 rookies will join key members of the 2011 NBA Draft class, including 2011-12 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Kenneth Faried and more to make collectibles industry history during the 2012-13 NBA season as part of basketball’s first Double Rookie Card class. The much-anticipated Panini Double Rookie Class will debut with the launch of the 2012-13 NBA HOOPS which will be available at retail and hobby shops nationwide on Aug. 15.
“Anthony Davis is a tremendous player – not only on the basketball court but also in the world of officially licensed trading cards – and his impact on our complete line of 2012-13 NBA products will be substantial,” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop. “We proudly welcome him into the Panini America family, where his Rookie Cards will be among the most coveted collectibles in the sports world next season.”
