Carlsbad, CA (June 25, 2026) – Upper Deck, the worldwide leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the legendary 1996 film Space Jam with a multi-product category celebration and multi-licensor activation. Together with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) and 23XI Racing, Upper Deck will celebrate the milestone as Bubba Wallace takes to the NASCAR Cup Series race on July 5, at Chicagoland Speedway, in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE with a custom Upper Deck Space Jam-themed design on his car. The bold design celebrates a unique crossover moment between Upper Deck’s first-in-class sports and entertainment licenses. As Upper Deck and WBDGCP bring Space Jam to the racetrack with 23XI, the collectibles leader will also introduce a new line of officially licensed prints called Curated®, trading cards commemorating the themed car available on Upper Deck’s e-Pack platform, a Space Jam 30th Anniversary trading card set, and Upper Deck Authenticated memorabilia – all paying homage to the beloved movie across Upper Deck’s different brands.
“This collaboration brings together the cultural impact of Space Jam, the energy of NASCAR, and the passion of collectors in a truly unique way,” said Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. “This is a massive celebration of fandom – Space Jam is an iconic movie that spans multiple generations, and we’re excited to capture what fans love most about the film and share it across Upper Deck brands.”
“We look forward to bringing the fun and nostalgia of Space Jam to the track at Chicagoland through this unique collaboration,” said Steve Lauletta, President of 23XI. “Our partnership with Upper Deck continues to result in one-of-a-kind memorabilia that expands well beyond just the racetrack, allowing 23XI to reach both current and new audiences.”
Upper Deck 2026 23XI x Space Jam Crossover
In conjunction with the race, the first of two Upper Deck 2026 23XI x Space Jam Crossover trading cards is available now on e-Pack® until July 2 at 5:59 AM PST/8:59 AM EST, showcasing the Upper Deck x 23XI x Space Jam car that will race in Chicago. The second trading card, releasing July 2 and available until July 9 at 5:59 AM PST/8:59 AM EST, features Bubba Wallace in his special Upper Deck Space Jam helmet and fire suit. Parallels and autographed cards from Wallace will also be available as chase elements for collectors.
Upper Deck Authenticated is also commemorating the Upper Deck 23XI Space Jam car with a limited-edition diecast, produced by Lionel. This first-of-its-kind exclusive UDA piece features a diecast of the Upper Deck car, set against a Space Jam background image signed by Bubba Wallace.
Upper Deck Announces ‘Curated®’ Brand
As part of the Space Jam 30th Anniversary celebration, Upper Deck is also launching Curated®, a new brand representing officially licensed prints across the company’s expansive sports and entertainment license portfolio. Each Curated® print will offer fans and collectors an accessible way to own premium moments across Upper Deck’s sports and entertainment licenses. The debut drop, which is available now, features prints from the original Space Jam film as part of Upper Deck’s Space Jam 30th Anniversary celebration.
Skybox Metal Universe Space Jam 30th Anniversary
Further expanding the anniversary collaboration, Upper Deck will release Skybox Metal Universe Space Jam 30th Anniversary later this year, bringing the movie to life through classic Metal Universe inserts, fan-favorite parallels, and rare chase cards. Collectors can find Precious Metal Gems (PMGs) featuring characters from the movie, including the Looney Tunes and Michael Jordan, in Red (numbered to 100), Blue (numbered to 50), Green (numbered to 10), and Gold 1-of-1 variations. A special short-print insert highlights Michael Jordan’s unforgettable halfcourt dunk scene from the movie, with PMG parallels also available in Red, Green, and Gold 1-of-1. Collectors can also look forward to autographed cards from key talent, including Michael Jordan and voice actors from the film, as well as the return of iconic inserts and themes such as Jambalaya, Platinum Portrait, Z-Force, Skybox Premium, and Skybox Autographics.
Upper Deck Authenticated Space Jam 30th Anniversary Collection
Upper Deck Authenticated is also celebrating Space Jam with a special 30th Anniversary memorabilia collection, all signed by Michael Jordan. Headlining the launch is a reinvented ‘The Show’ piece that debuts new 5D technology, bringing immersive depth and movement to the artwork. ‘Jam Time’ showcases a collage of imagery from the film, as well as Michael Jordan in the fan-favorite Air Jordan 11 ‘Space Jam’. In addition to prints, several pairs of signed Air Jordan shoes will also be available, including the ‘Space Jam’ Air Jordan 11, ‘Hare’ Air Jordan 7, ‘Bugs Bunny’ Air Jordan 8, and ‘Space Jam’ Air Jordan 9.
Upper Deck Hosts Space Jam 30th Anniversary Watch Party
Leading up to race weekend outside of Chicago, Upper Deck is hosting a Space Jam 30th Anniversary Watch Party at Navy Pier on July 2. Relive the iconic, fan-favorite movie as it’s shown on the big screen with the Navy Pier waterfront as the backdrop. The Upper Deck 23XI Space Jam car will be on display for fans to see in person and take pictures with. An exclusive, limited-edition Curated® Space Jam print will be given away for free to attendees. The event will also feature free personalized trading cards, free food, and other giveaways. Visit the Upper Deck website for more information about the event.
Fans should keep an eye out for the No. 23 Space Jam car when it hits the track with Bubba Wallace on July 5 at Chicagoland Speedway, and can learn more about all the Upper Deck Space Jam 30th Anniversary releases at UpperDeck.com.
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About Upper Deck
Upper Deck is a global entertainment company creating trading cards, memorabilia, collectibles, games, and online platforms that deliver the experiences collectors crave. Upper Deck has set the unmatched industry standard for quality, authenticity, and innovation, and continues to bring generations of fans closer to their favorite athletes and characters with unique and authentic sports and entertainment product offerings, as well as its digital trading ecosystem. The company prides itself on creating collectibles that produce invaluable experiences for sports and entertainment’s most dedicated and loyal fans, with a goal to deliver excellence to the community across the most coveted properties as a means to develop memorable moments for collectors of all kinds.
Find more information at www.upperdeck.com or follow us on Facebook (/UpperDeck,/UpperDeckEnt), Instagram (UpperDeckSports,UpperDeckEnt), X (formerly known as Twitter) (UpperDeckSports,UpperDeckEnt), and YouTube (UDvids).
Media Contact:
Upper Deck – Nicole Curro, nicole@carvecomms.com
Warner Bros. Discovery – Lindsay Kiesel, Lindsay.Kiesel@wbd.com
About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division, extends the company’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home décor and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
SPACE JAM and all related characters and elements © & 
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s26)
About 23XI Racing
23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion and Hall of Famer Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Tyler Reddick joined the team in 2023 to drive the No. 45 car. In 2024, Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick. In 2026, Reddick made history by winning the first three Cup Series races of the season, including the Daytona 500. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE and Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE. Corey Heim currently serves as the team’s development driver and races occasionally in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C.
The post UPPER DECK CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ICONIC ‘SPACE JAM’ MOVIE WITH 23XI RACING COLLABORATION, NEW COLLECTIBLES appeared first on Upper Deck.
Upper Deck
The Journey from First Pick to First Card Begins at the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft
By Stephen Laroche
The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft is just a few short weeks away, and excitement is building among hockey fans as to where the sport’s best and brightest prospects will be selected.
For more than 35 years, Upper Deck has been the place where first picks become first cards. While all of the prospects listed below are likely to find themselves on a highly coveted Young Guns card in the near future, collectors everywhere can look forward to ripping open a pack and seeing the first overall pick’s iconic Upper Deck Rookie card.
Penn State Star Ready to Make an Impact
Ranked the highest among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Gavin McKenna is coming off an excellent first season at Penn State University. Hailing from Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory, he developed into one of hockey’s most exciting prospects during his time with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers, earning CHL Player of the Year honors, before ultimately choosing to continue his development in the American collegiate system.
In 2025-26, the former CHL Player of the Year maintained a high level of offensive output and outscored all Big 10 skaters in the regular season on his way to earning Big 10 Freshman of the Year accolades. Additionally, McKenna returned to play for Team Canada in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, chipping in 14 points on the way to a bronze medal. A slick and speedy forward that can generate plenty of offense, he has the potential to be a star in the hobby, and his Young Guns card is sure to be in high demand once it arrives at Certified Diamond Dealers, retail stores, and Upper Deck’s e-Pack platform.
A Challenger for Number One
While many feel that McKenna is a lock to go first overall, there is an interesting challenger for that honor as well. Swedish sensation Ivar Stenberg set the Swedish Hockey League on fire with Frolunda HC in 2025-26 as he paced all rookies with 22 assists and 33 points. In fact, his totals were the third-highest all-time for a draft-eligible prospect in that league – only behind Hall of Famers Henrik and Daniel Sedin.
A big factor in Sweden’s run to a gold medal at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, Stenberg generated 10 points and later received an invitation to play for his country at the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, where he had a final opportunity to make his case for being the number one pick. Over eight tournament games, he delivered four goals and four assists to place third in scoring on a roster loaded with established NHL players. An elite offensive talent, the top-ranked international skater has also received additional praise for his defensive game.
Dynamic Defenders Expect to be Picked Early
For some teams, the need for a potential first-pairing defender is glaring, and there are two players who may hear their names called out soon after the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft begins.
Carson Carels of the Prince George Cougars is the third-ranked North American skater on the Central Scouting list and is coming off a solid season where he ranked fourth among all WHL defenders with 73 points. An agile two-way puck carrier with a booming left-handed shot, he has been praised for his strong work ethic – a product of being raised on a cattle farm. Many fans first saw him during the World Junior Championship, and he has committed to playing with the University of North Dakota in 2026-27.
Speaking of the Fighting Hawks, one of their brightest stars from this season is considered a top pick for the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft. Keaton Verhoeff placed fourth on Central Scouting’s list of North American skaters and earned a spot on the NCHC All-Rookie Team. Serving as Canada’s captain at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, this right-hand shooting defender has good offensive potential and logs plenty of minutes on the power play.
Plenty of Prospects Coming Out of Ontario
The Ontario Hockey League continues to produce draft-ready talent, and there are two players in particular that are bound to be early first round picks this year.
Caleb Malhotra fit in beautifully with the Brantford Bulldogs in 2025-26 and proved to be one of the league’s top rookies on the way to a regular season championship. The son of former NHL player Manny Malhotra, his draft stock rose dramatically during playoff action after posting 26 points in just 15 games. His passing skills and competitive nature have been noted by scouts along with his superior hockey sense. He is committed to Boston University next season.
As for Ethan Belchetz of the Windsor Spitfires, he showed dramatic improvement as an OHL sophomore this season, doubling his goal production while also averaging more than a point per game. Blessed with great size and a willingness to mix in some physical play, he is relentless with or without the puck. Should he not immediately transition to the pro game, he has made a commitment to Michigan State for 2026-27.
As these rising stars look forward to hearing their names called to join the ranks of the NHL, Upper Deck is preparing to introduce them to the hobby community through iconic Young Guns cards. Once these exciting young players hit the ice for the first time as professionals, they’ll also join another elite group as they see their name on a rookie card from Upper Deck – becoming a part of hobby history.
The post The Next Generation of Young Guns Is on the Horizon appeared first on Upper Deck.
Upper Deck
In this Artist Spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Amos Hemsley, the 3D sculptor behind the stunning miniatures in the new Enemies of Gotham City tabletop game. From an early age, Amos Hemsley was immersed in comic books, action figures, and memorabilia that were commonplace for the Bronze age of comic books. Movies and television shows also caught his eye, such as great films like Superman the Movie, Spider-man, and the 1960s Batman TV series. Amos has spent his career translating the dynamic energy of comic books and film into tangible art. From the broad-shouldered silhouette of the Dark Knight to the theatrical menace of The Joker, Amos’s work captures the fluid, minimalist elegance that made Batman: The Animated Series a masterpiece. Join us as we go behind the scenes with Amos to discuss his journey sculpting the legendary heroes and villains in Enemies of Gotham City.
Product depicted for demonstration purposes only and is subject to change without notice. ©2026 The Upper Deck Company.
BATMAN and all related characters and elements ©2026 & DC. WB SHIELD: © & WBEI. (s26) AGES 14+
The Enemies of Gotham City game is inspired by the iconic and beloved Batman: The Animated Series. With so many fans sharing Amos’s enthusiasm for the series he truly wanted to create something that the fans will love. One of Amos’s biggest challenges in sculpting the well known DC characters was trying to land a definitive version that would do the series and game justice. Amos said “these characters have been cherished for decades. So I have to do my part”.
Product depicted for demonstration purposes only and is subject to change without notice. ©2026 The Upper Deck Company.
BATMAN and all related characters and elements ©2026 & DC. WB SHIELD: © & WBEI. (s26) AGES 14+
Sculpting well-known and highly recognizable characters at such a small scale is no easy feat. With the Enemies of Gotham City’s tallest miniature measuring about 50 mm, every detail counts. Amos explained that getting each feature just right was doable through a 3D sculpting program called ZBrush, which allows him to go back and zoom in to apply little details once the base of the sculpture is completed. To coincide with this, we asked Amos how he was able to convey the personalities and might of these characters, despite them being this small. To that he responded “that part is based on the brilliant art direction of Caleb Cleveland (Visual Art Specialist at Upper Deck). He’ll sketch the pose that he’d like for the character to be in. I’ll then translate what I see to 3D incorporating that desired feeling”. 
Product depicted for demonstration purposes only and is subject to change without notice. ©2026 The Upper Deck Company.
BATMAN and all related characters and elements ©2026 & DC. WB SHIELD: © & WBEI. (s26) AGES 14+
Before we wrapped up our conversation, we asked Amos one final question about the impact he hopes his work will have when fans see the Enemies of Gotham City miniatures for the first time. Amos shared, “When I was a kid I’d look up and pretend that Superman flew by as he raced to stop Bizarro from causing a disaster. There was this raw emotion that overtook me. That passion has stayed with me ever since. I’d like for the fans to be inspired to create their own epic battles with these figures”. Whether you are a DC fan or tabletop gamer the Enemies of Gotham City miniatures are truly spectacular! Follow along to learn more about the various artists that contributed to the creation of Enemies of Gotham City.
Stay up to date on Enemies of Gotham City!
Get first looks of upcoming releases by following Upper Deck on Facebook @upperdeckent, Instagram @upperdeckent, X @upperdeckent, and YouTube @UDvids.
Learn more about Enemies of Gotham City and the Knight on The Town Expansion by visiting: https://upperdeck.com/enemies-of-gotham-city/
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The post Sculpting Gotham City’s™ Most Notorious Villains: An Interview With Amos Hemsley on Enemies of™ Gotham City™ Miniatures appeared first on Upper Deck.
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