LeBron James, Fanatics Collectibles Agree to Multi-Year Exclusive Trading Card Deal
Sports Illustrated aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
The biggest name in sports is now a Fanatics exclusive.
Less than two days after teasing a partnership on Monday, Fanatics Collectibles announced Wednesday morning that it has signed LeBron James to a multi-year exclusive trading card deal.
Fanatics Collectibles announced the deal alongside a video titled “Origin of Greatness.” The script for the video was shown in the Instagram post by James on Monday that hinted at a deal.
Along with James, the video showcases other Fanatics athletes like Caitlin Clark, CJ Stroud, Caleb Williams and Bronny James.
“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 statement. “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.”
Fanatics Collectibles also confirmed that 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball will contain a 1/1 on-card dual autograph featuring LeBron James and Bronny James.
2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball will feature a 1/1 dual autograph from LeBron James and Bronny James.
Fanatics Collectibles
An image of the dual autograph was leaked in November 2023, though the official card features minor differences.
“We are both thrilled and honored to have LeBron join the Fanatics family,” Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan added in a statement. “Our goal is to push the envelope of where the hobby can go and are excited about how our collaboration with one of the best athletes in the world will continue to ignite fan and collector passion.”
James’ deal with Fanatics Collectibles officially ends a 20-year long relationship with Upper Deck for exclusive autographs. It also ends months of speculation by collectors.
Along with the leaked autograph, collectors noticed that James had been removed from a list of exclusive athletes on Upper Deck’s website. James’ appearance on a Topps Now card also caused collectors to question his status with Upper Deck.
Upper Deck reflected positively on the relationship with James in a statement to Sports Illustrated and SI Collects.
“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. 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.”
While companies like Panini have been able to feature game-used memorabilia from James in recent years, there haven’t been autographs on licensed NBA products since 2009.
Fanatics Collectibles is currently expected to replace Panini as the exclusive manufacturer of licensed NBA cards in 2026.
Sports Illustrated aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
