Cards
Michael Jordan takes center stage at The National, Upper Deck
ROSEMONT, Ill.—Upper Deck President Jason Masherah has been working at the card company for 20 years. But his tenure is trumped by the one and only Michael Jordan.
In early July, Upper Deck inked an extended collaboration with the NBA star, who has been a face of the company for 35 years.
Having Upper Deck retain Jordan as its main athlete is massive for the company.
“When you look at the history of Upper Deck, I can’t imagine a world where Upper Deck and Michael Jordan aren’t working together,” Masherah said. “When I think of the history of the company, he’s part of it. It’s a big deal for us to continue that relationship. I can’t imagine not having it, to be honest.”
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The exclusive deal with Jordan gives Upper Deck all of his collectible rights.
“We have exclusive rights with Michael to his autograph. But we’re the only ones that can make trading cards of Michael. We’re the only ones that can make authenticated memorabilia with Michael,” Masherah said. “We have all rights to make other collectibles, so figurines, coins, this of that nature. A large part of that is to make sure that the stuff that goes into the market with Michael’s image is high quality, matches his brand and it’s at the Upper Deck brand standard. The other responsibility is to find people who are maybe counterfeiting or infringing Michael’s likeness and to go battle those guys as well, because they’re trying to use his likeness without his rights.”
Upper Deck has several pieces of Jordan memorabilia on display at The National and will auction a box of 1986 Fleer Baksetball signed and inscribed by Jordan on Saturday at eBay Live.
‘HAND OF GOD’ BALL
The photo-matched 1986 Diego Maradona “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” game-used soccer ball is widely regarded as one of the most iconic objects in sports history.
On display at The National and part of Heritage’s Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction, the Adidas ball got plenty of collectors excited—even if the vast majority can’t afford to bid on it.
The item’s historical significance places it alongside legendary game balls from Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot,” the NFL’s “Immaculate Reception” and “The Catch.”
The ball was used during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and England. After a scoreless first half, Maradona stunned the world by scoring the opening goal in the 51st minute. Leaping above England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, he punched the ball into the net with his left hand. England’s players protested, but the referee missed the handball, allowing the goal to stand.
“The British outcry resonated throughout the soccer world,” said Chris Ivy, Heritage’s director of sports auctions. “One of the proudest soccer nations in the world felt like a victim of one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in the history of the sport. The English felt that their team, a squad that had legitimate hopes of winning the World Cup that year, had been robbed. … Their disappointment was legitimate, but it does nothing to take away from two of the most spectacular goals in the history of the sport.”
After the game, Maradona described the moment as “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God,” creating one of the most enduring quotes in sports history.
Four minutes after scoring with his hand, Maradona, using the same ball, dribbled past five players to score what’s been dubbed the “Goal of the Century.” Argentina won 2-1.
TEENS MAKE TRADES
Among the crowd Thursday were dozens of teenagers carrying backpacks full of trading cards, hoping to make deals, meet other collectors and add to their collections.
Excitement grew with every trade, as conversations about rookie cards, autographs and favorite players were all the talk at the Card Kids Trade Zone sponsored by Sports Card Investor.
Ethan Calvin, 16, walked from table to table with a binder filled with basketball cards. He said he spent months saving up and trading online before finally attending The National for the first time.
“I've been waiting all year for this event,” he said. “Trading in person is way more exciting than making deals online.”
Throughout the day, teens gathered in small groups to show off their new pickups. For some, the trading went beyond making a deal.
“I really enjoyed meeting other collectors,” said Michael Costa. “It was really fun.”
TRADE NIGHT
Trade Night has become an exceptional extension of The National.
The first Trade Night of the 2026 show was held on Thursday evening, and the crowd was ready. Thousands of collectors packed an upper-level hall at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center after the regular show for the five-hour event.
This year marks the first time wristbands were required for entrance—with collectors acquiring a wristband in various forms through corporate companies.
Unofficial trade nights began around 2016 with after-hour events breaking out at hotels near the convention center. In 2022 in Atlantic City, The National sanctioned its first official Trade Night. A tradition was born. In its fifth year of the event, trade night has grown every year.
Trade Night will also take place on Friday and Saturday nights from 6-11 p.m.
— Greg Bates and Clemente Lisi contributed to this report.
