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NBA superstar LeBron James has recently inked an exclusive multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, a division of Fanatics specializing in trading cards and collectibles. This new deal with Fanatics marks the end of his long-standing relationship with Upper Deck, with whom he had a previous card and memorabilia contract that concluded last year.

In a statement released by Fanatics, James expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting his desire to share more moments with his fans and celebrate the achievements of athletes at their peak. He emphasized the importance of recognizing both the significant and the subtle milestones in sports.

To commemorate this partnership, Fanatics is set to release a special card featuring LeBron and his son, Bronny James, as part of the 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, due out 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 women’s college basketball All-Americans Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers among its 100 players.

Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan expressed excitement about having LeBron join the Fanatics family, aiming to expand the boundaries of the hobby and foster fan and collector enthusiasm. Alongside LeBron's signing, Fanatics is also promoting the card release with a unique video titled “Origin of Greatness,” narrated by James, which highlights the early moments of various Fanatics athlete partners.

The partnership with LeBron is a significant addition for Fanatics, following a more than two-decade association between LeBron and Upper Deck. Upper Deck acknowledged their longstanding collaboration with LeBron, noting their efforts in building his brand into a highly valuable collectible and their work with the LeBron James Family Foundation. They expressed gratitude for having had LeBron as a part of their Upper Deck family.