Lakers’ LeBron James, Fanatics Agree to Contract; Signed 1-of-1 Card with Son Bronny

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LeBron James and Fanatics have agreed to a “multiyear” trading card contract, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

To commemorate the agreement, James and his son, USC guard Bronny James, are releasing a one-of-one signed card later this month.

LeBron James had spent his entire NBA career with Upper Deck. The signed cards mark a noteworthy return to James signatures being in circulation, as he had not been signing cards in the latter part of his Upper Deck deal.

“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.

James is the most famous basketball player on the planet and a one-of-one coup for Fanatics, which has been making significant inroads in the trading card game after buying Topps in 2022. Fanatics is set to replace Panini as the NBA’s official partner in 2026, and the company also has deals with Major League Baseball and the NFL Players’ Association.

“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,” said Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan.

While no terms of the contract were made available, odds are it will stretch well beyond James’ playing career. The 39-year-old remains one of the NBA’s premier players but will eventually lose the battle to Father Time.

This agreement could give Fanatics the first crack at selling playing cards from James’ illustrious career once he finally walks away from the game.