NBA superstar LeBron James signs exclusive card, collectibles deal with Fanatics

As expected, Fanatics confirmed Wednesday that NBA superstar LeBron James has signed a new, exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, the company’s trading card and collectibles division.

James previously had a long-term card and memorabilia contract with Upper Deck that expired last year.

“As someone who appreciates all the moments — big and small — along the journey, I’m excited to share more with my fans through this partnership with Fanatics,” James said in a Fanatics release. “In sports there is so much greatness to celebrate and I’ve always been one to take a moment to recognize that in athletes at the top of their games. It’s all about celebrating the journey and enjoying those moments, with many more to come.”

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“We are both thrilled and honored to have LeBron join the Fanatics family,” Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan said. “Our goal is to push the envelope of where the hobby can go and [we] are excited about how our collaboration with one of the best athletes in the world will continue to ignite fan and collector passion.”

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In conjunction with the partnership, a unique card featuring James will be included in the 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set scheduled to be released Jan. 19. The card is a 1/1 on-card dual autograph that included his son, Bronny James. James appears in his St. Vincent-St. Mary’s (Akron, Ohio) high school uniform, while James Jr. is in his USC Trojans jersey. 

Women’s college basketball All-Americans Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers will also be included in the 100-player set.

Fanatics is promoting the LeBron signing and card release with a unique video, “Origin of Greatness,” which is narrated by James and highlight the first moments of several Fanatics athlete partners and their paths to the top of their respective sports. 

LeBron's signing with Fanatics brings to an add a more than 20-year relationships with Upper Deck. 

“Upper Deck has had the privilege of working closely with LeBron James over the last 20 years, building the LeBron James brand into one of the most valuable collectible brands in the world,” Upper Deck said in a statement. “In addition to creating unique products for fans, we’ve also collaborated with the LeBron James Family Foundation since its inception, working hard to contribute to, expand awareness and fundraise for various Foundation initiatives. It has been an honor to include LeBron James within our Upper Deck family.”