LeBron no longer Upper Deck exclusive- Fanatics incoming?
 

With LeBron removed from Upper Deck's "Exclusive Athletes" list, are we walking in to a LeBron announcement from Fanatics here soon? Still no exclusive mention on Wembanyama despite all of the evidence thus far, it looks like Fanatics is preparing a massive bombshell if able to swing both Wemby and LeBron

Wow this could be huge.

I still see LBJ items at the UD online store. Until those being cleared out and/or further development, I wouldn't jump to the conclusion too quickly.

[url]https://upperdeckstore.com/memorabilia/basketball-memorabilia/lebron-james.html[/url]

[QUOTE=bjho852;18923395]I still see LBJ items at the UD online store. Until those being cleared out and/or further development, I wouldn't jump to the conclusion too quickly.

[url]https://upperdeckstore.com/memorabilia/basketball-memorabilia/lebron-james.html[/url][/QUOTE]

His items are for sale yes, but he has been removed from the "Exclusive Athlete" lists which he had been featured on until recently

[QUOTE=baseballbunez;18923397]His items are for sale yes, but he has been removed from the "Exclusive Athlete" lists which he had been featured on until recently[/QUOTE]

When Kevin Garnett's deal with UD expired back around 2010, his items were cleared out, which is why I have the same thought regarding LBJ.

Link to the list the list without his name?

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[QUOTE=dengbang;18923409]Link to the list the list without his name?

Sent from my SM-S908U1 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

[url]https://upperdeckstore.com[/url]

Right under the banner in the "Exclusive Upper Deck Athletes" section, he was featured directly next to Jordan until recently.

They now advertise their exclusive list as- Jordan, McDavid, Woods, Gretzky, Davis, Lafreniere, Simmons, Roy, Byfield

[QUOTE=baseballbunez;18923433][url]https://upperdeckstore.com[/url]

Right under the banner in the "Exclusive Upper Deck Athletes" section, he was featured directly next to Jordan until recently.

They now advertise their exclusive list as- Jordan, McDavid, Woods, Gretzky, Davis, Lafreniere, Simmons, Roy, Byfield[/QUOTE]Nice catch, thanks. Good thing Ben Simmons is still there [emoji57]

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A Lebron wembanyama dual auto is on the horizon!

[QUOTE=dengbang;18923438]Nice catch, thanks. Good thing Ben Simmons is still there [emoji57]

Sent from my SM-S908U1 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I think that is another big indicator that they lost him. Not like they'd still feature Simmons and Byfield but bump LeBron

I thought LeBron owned a piece of Upper Deck, apparently not. LBJ about to sign tens of thousands of autographs.

I also want to add that, if LBJ is indeed leaving (whether jumping ship to rivals like Kobe did in 2009) or being no longer companies-exclusive at all, will UD change its recent policy of limiting MJ autographs for sale? I personally hope so.

This could be HUGE news. Don't want to speculate too much as of now, but I can't wait to see how this plays out.

If Lebron starts signing with other companies I would be very nervous as a current owner of lebron autos/memorabilia

[url]https://upperdeckstore.com/athletes[/url]

Seems like he's still on this page though

[QUOTE=dengbang;18923596][url]https://upperdeckstore.com/athletes[/url]

Seems like he's still on this page though[/QUOTE]

yes, but those are not (neccessarily) exclusive athletes

Can’t wait for the team hopper dual autograph chase subset!

LeBron would be foolish to partner with Fanatics.

[QUOTE=KhalDrogo;18923722]LeBron would be foolish to partner with Fanatics.[/QUOTE]

If he got a sniff of equity, it would be the smartest thing he could do.

[QUOTE=KhalDrogo;18923722]LeBron would be foolish to partner with Fanatics.[/QUOTE]

There had been rumors floating of him trying to get % of sales for his autograph cards, something Fanatics has experience in on their memorabilia side. If they offered up small % cut of product sales or even equity in the business....he'd almost have to take it

[QUOTE=Brobocop;18923731]If he got a sniff of equity, it would be the smartest thing he could do.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=baseballbunez;18923734]There had been rumors floating of him trying to get % of sales for his autograph cards, something Fanatics has experience in on their memorabilia side. If they offered up small % cut of product sales or even equity in the business....he'd almost have to take it[/QUOTE]
Disagree. Who is the most powerful athlete in the world, with the most powerful brand, and the most powerful image? That’s who he should model his business after.

Signing hundreds or thousands of cards a year is beneath him. Being featured on cards after his playing days are over is beneath him. There’s no amount of money Fanatics can offer him that is worth more than the value he can get from controlling everything LeBron.

[QUOTE=Braswell10;18923446]A Lebron wembanyama dual auto is on the horizon![/QUOTE]

:flex: [B][COLOR="blue"][SIZE="3"]TO THE MOON [sw1] AND BEYOND![/SIZE][/COLOR][/B] :flex:

Bronny lbj dual sig McDonald’s grmice auto

Cant wait for that Gretzky, McDavid, Byfield triple auto.

[QUOTE=KhalDrogo;18923748]Disagree. Who is the most powerful athlete in the world, with the most powerful brand, and the most powerful image? That’s who he should model his business after.

Signing hundreds or thousands of cards a year is beneath him. Being featured on cards after his playing days are over is beneath him. There’s no amount of money Fanatics can offer him that is worth more than the value he can get from controlling everything LeBron.[/QUOTE]

If Fanatics somehow did partner with LeBron, I don’t think he’d be signing tens of thousands of autos like every other player. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be able to come up with some unique kind of deal where he signs about the same amount of stuff he used to sign for something like Goodwin Champions. You could have a very small chance at pulling a LeBron auto in products like NT, Flawless, and Eminence. Or, they could do something completely different where he’s not in any standard set and they create some unique brand specific for LeBron, just under the Fanatics umbrella. All kinds of possibilities out there, including some options we might not even be thinking about yet. Of course, this all could just be misplaced unrealistic positivity, which Fanatics hasn’t exactly earned yet.

Before extending his deal with UD, there were once some rumors floating aorund that Jordan had plans to run his own memoraibilia company.

Now if LBJ is indeed set to leave UD, would it be better for him to run his own memorabilia company?

A good time to sell your Lebron autos?

[QUOTE=MJ23Collector;18924001]A good time to sell your Lebron autos?[/QUOTE]

Good time to sell Bron auto is gone

Fanatics need Bron more than Bron needs fanatics.

Be prepared for a Bron anthology type set if he signs up and sticker autos galore.

Kobe did this and his auto prices went from $150-$200 down to $75.

No takes posted here yet that maybe LeBron won't sign ANYTHING for anybody. He doesn't need too. Could make his auto even more rare.

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Which billionaire athlete is still signing thousands of cards?

[url]https://sportsbrief.com/athletics/26116-athletes-billionaires-a-list-billionaire-athletes-world-currently/[/url]

[QUOTE=pcptrade;18924046]Which billionaire athlete is still signing thousands of cards?

[url]https://sportsbrief.com/athletics/26116-athletes-billionaires-a-list-billionaire-athletes-world-currently/[/url][/QUOTE]

As of a couple years ago, I heard Fed signs autographs through the mail.

How will his deal with Fanatics look like based on his prior investment (approach)?-

...LeBron James invested in Fenway Sports Group. By doing this, the four-time NBA champion became a part owner of the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, and a few other teams.

Bron should sign a non-exclusive auto deal with Fanatics who would surely throw money at him. He could sign no more than 1000 autos a year and have on-card autos in their top products to /99 /25/5/1 and you do 7-8 products that way, a few of which can be multi-sport, if desired.

If he does sign with them, I'm guessing it will include some kind of structured lifetime shared revenue % of everything bearing his likeness. Fanatics is a lot more than just kards. Majority of their sales can/will be on the apparel/memorabilia side.

[QUOTE=SlickRick;18924039]No takes posted here yet that maybe LeBron won't sign ANYTHING for anybody. He doesn't need too. Could make his auto even more rare.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

This is the way.

Who Bronny wit?

[QUOTE=SlickRick;18924039]No takes posted here yet that maybe LeBron won't sign ANYTHING for anybody. He doesn't need too. Could make his auto even more rare.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

economic theory of monopoly sez he'll sign up to the value-for-Bron-maximizing supply point

I just heard Lebron is signing an exclusive deal with Leaf. This is huge.

Jordan's a billionaire but continues to make lucrative partnerships and business deals headed into his 60's.

It's not about being filthy rich and not needing more money, it's about maintaining post-career relevance and securing multi-generational wealth.

Whatever Bron does, he's going to have near-complete control over his annual signing amounts and releases.

[QUOTE=pejc300;18924273]I just heard Lebron is signing an exclusive deal with Leaf. This is huge.[/QUOTE]


That would be amazing. You’d be able to get LeBron autos in blasters for $20.


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[QUOTE=pejc300;18924273]I just heard Lebron is signing an exclusive deal with Leaf. This is huge.[/QUOTE]Ummm what lol

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[QUOTE=pejc300;18924273]I just heard Lebron is signing an exclusive deal with Leaf. This is huge.[/QUOTE]

Yeah Brian Gray is going to have Lebron sign phone cards!

Also maybe Lebron will outsource his autos & pay his son Bronny to sign as Lebron. It has been done before! Lol

[QUOTE=bigjbasketball;18923950]If Fanatics somehow did partner with LeBron, I don’t think he’d be signing tens of thousands of autos like every other player. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be able to come up with some unique kind of deal where he signs about the same amount of stuff he used to sign for something like Goodwin Champions. You could have a very small chance at pulling a LeBron auto in products like NT, Flawless, and Eminence. Or, they could do something completely different where he’s not in any standard set and they create some unique brand specific for LeBron, just under the Fanatics umbrella. All kinds of possibilities out there, including some options we might not even be thinking about yet. Of course, this all could just be misplaced unrealistic positivity, which Fanatics hasn’t exactly earned yet.[/QUOTE]

because fanatics is about quantity. they will want every customer buying his autograph.

[QUOTE=ninjacookies;18924282]Jordan's a billionaire but continues to make lucrative partnerships and business deals headed into his 60's.

It's not about being filthy rich and not needing more money, it's about maintaining post-career relevance and securing multi-generational wealth.

Whatever Bron does, he's going to have near-complete control over his annual signing amounts and releases.[/QUOTE]

Sitting down and signing for hours is much different then doing business deals. Jordan signs the minimum now because he has skin in upper deck. I doubt Lebron signs for anyone going forward.

[QUOTE=pingbling23;18924361]Sitting down and signing for hours is much different then doing business deals. Jordan signs the minimum now because he has skin in upper deck. I doubt Lebron signs for anyone going forward.[/QUOTE]

I'd be more surprised if Lebron doesn't sign for the rest of his days.

Basically every legend has signed or caved to the memorabilia $$, including several guys nobody expected to after a long hiatus.

Bron will probably use his status as leverage to get his son inked to a potential exclusive too.

And I wouldn't be surprised if Fanatics offers him equity.

Adding to the speculation, Upper Deck failed to recognize Lebron's most recent birthday, shared with fellow UD spokesperson, Tiger Woods.

Maybe just a coincidence but the previous two years UD had recognized both athletes, like they seem to do with all of their exclusives.

2022 - No Lebron
[IMG]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FzwuksnaEAAkqe0?format=jpg&name=small[/IMG]

2021 - Both
[IMG]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fzwuk62aMAAVlUG?format=jpg&name=medium[/IMG]

Bronny will be in the league next year

He's gonna get Fanatics to pay $93.7M to sign him so Fanatics will have exclusive rights to Father/Son dual autos.

[QUOTE=bigjbasketball;18923950] You could have a very small chance at pulling a LeBron auto in products like NT, Flawless, and Eminence. [/QUOTE]

The big obstacle is that Fanatics would have to buy Panini America in order to do that.

[QUOTE=hermanotarjeta;18924022]Fanatics need Bron more than Bron needs fanatics.[/QUOTE]

Initially I thought the same but then I realized that LeBron doesn't even need Fanatics.

[QUOTE=bjho852;18924000]Before extending his deal with UD, there were once some rumors floating aorund that Jordan had plans to run his own memoraibilia company.

Now if LBJ is indeed set to leave UD, would it be better for him to run his own memorabilia company?[/QUOTE]

The Upper Deck brand goes a long way in solid provenance. Look at MJ, if it's not Upper Deck, its more than likely fake. I know certain athletes have started their own company with their own holograms and such but if you took Barry Bonds and Kobe Bryant as examples, there would still be confusion 50 years from now on what those are, what website to go to and how exactly you know its for that item.

[QUOTE=auburn35;18924534]Adding to the speculation, Upper Deck failed to recognize Lebron's most recent birthday, shared with fellow UD spokesperson, Tiger Woods.

Maybe just a coincidence but the previous two years UD had recognized both athletes, like they seem to do with all of their exclusives.

2022 - No LeBron[/QUOTE]

Sounds about right then, UD is no longer to use his NIL.

Interesting that the only auto Lebron has in UD Goodwin 2022 is a card he signed in 2019 that wasn't used in the product.....along with some other players cards.

Goodwin Update Autographs Set Checklist
23 cards.


[B]2019 Autographs - A-LJ LeBron James - Basketball[/B]
2019 Exquisite Collection 2003-04 Limited Logos - 03L-SW Serena Williams - Tennis #/25 (Hobby/ePack)
2019 Exquisite Collection 2009-10 Rookie Auto - 09T-SW Serena Williams - Tennis #/99 (Hobby/ePack)
2019 Exquisite Collection Signature Kicks Horizontal - SKH-SW Serena Williams - Tennis (ePack)
2019 Exquisite Collection Signature Kicks Vertical - SKV-WI Serena Williams - Tennis (ePack)
2020 Autographs Inscriptions - A-WF Wander Franco "El Patron" - Baseball #/25 (Hobby/ePack)
2020 Goudey Sport Royalty Dual Autographs - SRD-JW Jasson Dominguez/Wander Franco - Baseball (Hobby/ePack)
2020 Horizontal Autographs Inscriptions - HA-JD Jasson Dominguez "#teamaguacute" - Baseball #/50 (Hobby/ePack)
2020 Splash Of Color Autographs Inscriptions - SCA-JD Jasson Dominguez "Martian" - Baseball #/55 (Hobby/ePack)
2020 Exquisite Signature Kicks Horizontal - SKH-WF Wander Franco - Baseball (ePack)
2020 Exquisite Signature Kicks Vertical - SKV-WF Wander Franco - Baseball (ePack)
2021 Autographs - A-BD Bryson Dechambeau - Golf
2021 Autographs - A-BR Bri Baker - Chef
2021 Autographs - A-JF Justin Fields - Football
2021 Autographs Inscriptions - A-JF Justin Fields "2019 Big Ten Champ MVP" - Football #/25 (Hobby/ePack)
2021 Autographs Inscriptions - A-JF Justin Fields "Bear Down" - Football #/60 (Hobby/ePack)
2021 Autographs Inscriptions - A-JF Justin Fields "First Round Pick" - Football #/35 (Hobby/ePack)
2021 Goudey Autographs - GA-BB Bri Baker - Chef
2021 Goudey Sport Royalty Autographs - SRA-BD Bryson Dechambeau - Golf (Hobby/ePack)
2021 Horizontal Autographs - HA-BD Bryson Dechambeau - Golf
2021 Splash Of Color Autographs - SA-BD Bryson Dechambeau - Golf (Hobby/ePack)
2021 Exquisite Collection Autographs Gold Spectrum - V-TW Tiger Woods - Golf #/10 (Hobby/ePack)
2021 Exquisite Collection Autographs Black - V-TW Tiger Woods - Golf 1-Jan (Hobby/ePack)

A 2004 Exquisite auto sold for under $5k last night. The demand for LeBron autos is not as big as you’d think. There will be demand for Heat and Lakers autos, but that will fade fast.

Getting LeBron to sign for Fanatics gives their boxes value in an era where there's little.

It would be a wise move.

[QUOTE=drobfan8;18924704]Getting LeBron to sign for Fanatics gives their boxes value in an era where there's little.

It would be a wise move.[/QUOTE]

Even if its only /10...still enough to give the bump

[QUOTE=glen87;18924359]because fanatics is about quantity. they will want every customer buying his autograph.[/QUOTE]

Just because that’s what Fanatics wants, it doesn’t mean that’s what they’ll get. I’d be very surprised if he signs a deal and his autos start showing up in every product the same way that Kobe did when he became a Panini brand ambassador.

[QUOTE=Archangel1775;18924599]The big obstacle is that Fanatics would have to buy Panini America in order to do that.[/QUOTE]

Fanatics doesn’t have any actual NBA products yet so I just named those Panini sets as examples of the level of product that I think could potentially have LeBron autos in the event he starts signing NBA products again, which is obviously all still hugely speculative.

[QUOTE=pingbling23;18924361]Sitting down and signing for hours is much different then doing business deals. Jordan signs the minimum now because he has skin in upper deck. I doubt Lebron signs for anyone going forward.[/QUOTE]

I'll take that bet. And 1000 autos is what, 2 hours? 3 at most per year?

I'm sure he'll ask for equity.

Haven't heard anything about a Fanatics deal but possibly another clue Lebron has separated from Upper Deck; he's oddly missing from the upcoming
Skybox Metal Universe Champions product.

[url]https://www.beckett.com/news/2022-skybox-metal-universe-champions/[/url]

Give LeBron credit. He's always known what his autograph is worth. I'm sure autographs is toward the bottom of the priority list of future partnerships.

There's no need for him to rush into signing anything. He's a billionaire.

There are a few videos of LeBron signing for kids at a game or in the locker room. And when he does, he usually draws a crown or adds some kind of inscription.

If he does some of those for Fanatics (or even UD if he's still around), they would command serious coin.

[IMG]https://www.blowoutcards.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/artbb-16c2s-23tn-0736_.png[/IMG]

I guess he did sign with fanatics

[QUOTE=BlowoutBuzz;19005751][IMG]https://www.blowoutcards.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/artbb-16c2s-23tn-0736_.png[/IMG][/QUOTE]

Was about to post it. The rumors are true


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Very interesting... Lebron autos go down or go up?

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[QUOTE=dengbang;19005842]Very interesting... Lebron autos go down or go up?

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A mookie lebron dual auto would of been amazing

So the question now....

Does LeBron retire before Fanatics gets it's NBA license?

Until then, it's just more non-licensed stuff, which probably doesnt move the market unless he signs a ton. But the first time he signs a Lakers card (or Heat for that matter), it'll be big bucks.

Does this mean panini can’t even make base cards of him anymore?

Until the departure from UD is officially announced, maybe the lawsuits between Fanatics and Panini will provide some more details.
Fanatics is/was trying to buyout Panini's exclusive, so maybe they landed Lebron first and intended to make the announcements together.

[QUOTE=Braswell10;19005858]Does this mean panini can’t even make base cards of him anymore?[/QUOTE]

No. As long as he’s not retired, Panini can still make his card.

[QUOTE=auburn35;19005871]Until the departure from UD is officially announced, maybe the lawsuits between Fanatics and Panini will provide some more details.
Fanatics is/was trying to buyout Panini's exclusive, so maybe they landed Lebron first and intended to make the announcements together.[/QUOTE]

I think there still an announcement for something. Don’t forget the chams report says nba licensed card for 2023-2024.

[QUOTE=glassofwater;19005879]I think there still an announcement for something. Don’t forget the chams report says nba licensed card for 2023-2024.[/QUOTE]

Yes, I believe that report was when the Fanatics/Panini buyout was close to happening. The recent lawsuits suggest the two are no longer close and those products won't be coming.

I find it very strange that this is his first Fanatics card.

Dead silent and your first LeBron card is a Topps Now offering of him in street clothes at a baseball game? I get that they can’t do anything NBA, but really? If the UD evidence wasn’t there, I’d say someone screwed up and put him on the card.

This is the company who thought creating and using rookie debut patches was the biggest announcement in hobby history.

Hopefully Lebron can pull a Jackie Robinson cut sig live from
a random pack when they sign him.

[QUOTE=BlowoutBuzz;19005751][IMG]https://www.blowoutcards.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/artbb-16c2s-23tn-0736_.png[/IMG][/QUOTE]

Sweet,

2 brosephs that dont sign autographs lol

With the nfl para news are we getting nba news soon?

[QUOTE=glassofwater;19006692]With the nfl para news are we getting nba news soon?[/QUOTE]

If NBA follows suit, Panini sells out soon thereafter