Posts Tagged ‘announces’

UPPER DECK ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH THE GRATEFUL DEAD, FIRST TRADING CARD SET

Carlsbad, CA (Feb. 26, 2026) — Upper Deck, the worldwide leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, today announced a collaboration with one of the most popular bands in music history – the Grateful Dead. A legendary group that has spanned generations, the Grateful Dead has inspired some of the most passionate fans of all time. Now, Dead Heads and music fans around the world can interact with the band through collectibles from Upper Deck, highlighted initially by a newly released trading card set that celebrates the band’s 60th Anniversary. 

“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with one of the most celebrated bands to ever take the stage, and give music fans another way to connect with the Grateful Dead,” said Travis Rhea, Director of Entertainment Brands at Upper Deck. “In addition to amazing, iconic music, the Grateful Dead are known for vibrant colors and incredible visuals, perfect for music trading cards. They also have one of the most dedicated fanbases the industry has ever seen, so we can’t wait for Dead Heads to get their hands on our Grateful Dead collectibles.” 

‘The Grateful Dead – 60 Years So Far… A Visual Trip’ trading card set spans the band’s rich 60-year history. Each box includes a full 50-card base set collection of Grateful Dead iconography, classic characters, and show posters, with an additional five cards that could be serial-numbered hits, themed inserts, or an autograph card. Fans can look forward to familiar Grateful Dead symbols, including the famous Dancing Bears and Uncle Sam. Visuals featured on 1-of-1 High Potency Purple variants and Dancing Parallels will be recognizable to long-time Dead Heads. And for band historians, ‘Transmissions from Dave’s Desk’ illustrates the work of official archivist, producer, and legacy manager David Lemieux. It features artwork, set lists, and show-facts from the first 50 ‘Dave’s Picks’ albums. Collectors also have the chance to pull parallel cards autographed by Lemieux himself – each numbered to five. 

“I’ve dedicated much of my life to showcasing the joy that the Grateful Dead spread through their music, so working with Upper Deck to translate that journey into trading cards has been really special,” said Lemieux. “From characters that have become synonymous with the band to tour posters that are a trip through time, there is so much for Dead Heads to enjoy in this set.” 

The Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary trading card set is available now – and this is just the beginning of the collaboration between Upper Deck and the Grateful Dead. Fans can look forward to many ways to collect the Grateful Dead – including future trading card sets with different card technologies and original art, as well as gallery prints, and more. For more information, visit www.UpperDeck.com. 

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About the Grateful Dead 

The Grateful Dead is a social and musical phenomenon that grew into a genuine American treasure. In 1965, an entire generation was linked together by common ideals, gathering by the hundreds and thousands. This movement created a seamless connection between the band and its fans. As the band toured, Dead Heads would follow. Not because it was a part of popular culture but because it is a true counterculture that exists to this very day-one that earnestly believes in the value of its beliefs. By 1995, the Grateful Dead had attracted the most concertgoers in the history of the music business, and today remains one of the all-time leaders in concert ticket sales. Eventually, the caravan evolved into a community with various artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs supplying a growing demand for merchandise that connected them to the music with their final tally being 2,318 total concerts. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and received a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, commemorated in the 47th class of the Kennedy Center Honorees, as well as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year honored at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. The Grateful Dead celebrated their 66th Top 40 album on the Billboard chart —a feat no other artist has achieved —claiming the Guinness World Records title for the most Top 40 albums charted on the US Billboard 200. 

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), Instagram (UpperDeckSports, UpperDeckEnt), and X (@UpperDeckSports), and YouTube (UDvids). 

Media Contact: 
Nicole Brief-Curro, nicole@carvecomms.com

The post UPPER DECK ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH THE GRATEFUL DEAD, FIRST TRADING CARD SET appeared first on Upper Deck.

UPPER DECK ANNOUNCES COVETED HARRY POTTER LICENSE, UPCOMING PRODUCT COLLECTION

Carlsbad, CA (Jan. 7, 2026) – Upper Deck, the global leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, is adding another iconic license to its extensive portfolio – announcing a deal to create collectibles surrounding the beloved Harry Potter franchise. News of the collaboration between Upper Deck and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products was delivered to media and prospective retailers in a unique way inspired by the world of Harry Potter. The agreement will enable Upper Deck to provide fans with even more ways to connect with the acclaimed franchise, as the collectibles leader lends its expertise to create unique and premium products for Harry Potter fans around the world to enjoy.

“Harry Potter is easily one of the most sought-after licenses in today’s entertainment landscape. The combination of nostalgia, iconic characters and rich storytelling has sustained its cultural relevance for decades. Adding the Harry Potter franchise to our portfolio is a true testament to the quality and innovation that Upper Deck delivers to its licensors and collectors,” said Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. “The fandom for the world of Harry Potter is overwhelming, and we’re excited to give this community new ways to enjoy the wizarding world through beautifully crafted collectibles.”

For more than 25 years, the Harry Potter franchise has remained one of the most influential and beloved storytelling universes in the world. A best-selling fantasy novel series that spawned one of the most successful film franchises of all time, Harry Potter has transcended into a cultural touchstone spanning generations, supported by a deeply engaged global fan community. Enduring its pop culture relevance while continuing to evolve through new mediums, the Harry Potter license channels timeless themes of friendship, courage, identity, and belonging for both fans who grew up with the world of Harry Potter and new generations discovering it for the first time.

Upper Deck is excited to bring its iconic brands and flagship products to the world of Harry Potter. Initial releases will include Upper Deck Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 25^th Anniversary Trading Cards, a cinematic journey celebrating the 25^th Anniversary of Sorcerer’s Stone. The set will include iconic Upper Deck flagship inserts, including UD Debuts featuring UD exclusives, high gloss, and Outburst parallels including a gold 1/1. To follow that, fans can also look forward to Fleer Ultra Harry Potter, which will showcase iconic Fleer Ultra inserts and original art trading cards. Key characters from the Harry Potter franchise will make their Upper Deck debuts, including Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Professor Dumbledore, and Professor Snape. Both trading card sets will be available at Certified Diamond Dealers, mass retailers, as well as Upper Deck’s e-Pack platform.

“Entertainment-based trading cards have always been a priority for Upper Deck, and Harry Potter has been on the radar for a long time,” said Travis Rhea, Director of Entertainment Brands at Upper Deck. “We are excited to bring the license to the trading card and collectibles category. The timing of the upcoming 25^th Anniversary of the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, is perfect to apply the best-in-class Upper Deck brands to the Harry Potter licensed product portfolio.”

For the latest information and to stay up to date about future Upper Deck Harry Potter collectibles, visit www.UpperDeck.com.

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Media Contact:

Upper Deck – Nicole Curro, nicole@carvecomms.com

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products – Lindsay.Kiesel@WBD.com

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), Instagram (UpperDeckSports), X (formerly known as Twitter) (UpperDeckSports), and YouTube (UDvids).   

About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products:

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue and 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, HGTVH, 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.

About The Harry Potter Franchise:

From the moment eleven-year-old Harry Potter met Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his adventures have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Today, over 25 years later, the Harry Potter phenomenon thrives as one of the most successful and best-loved entertainment properties in history.

J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter novels have been brought to life in an ever-evolving interconnected universe which is loved by millions of fans worldwide. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films and three epic Fantastic Beasts films bring the spellbinding action to life on screen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child mesmerizes on stage, and state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games allow players to experience the wizarding world like never before. Fans can proudly showcase their passion through innovative consumer products, and thrill at spectacular location-based experiences – including themed lands at six Universal Destinations and Experiences theme parks around the world.

This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts offerings includes ground-breaking touring experiences and events, each developed to celebrate special moments and locations that fans cherish, as well as Harry Potter Shops in King’s Cross, New York, Chicago, Akasaka, and Harajuku. Wizards, Witches, and Muggles alike can also discover something new as they explore behind-the-scenes secrets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter.

With a new HBO Original TV series based on the books on the way, this extended world continues to provide the community with fresh and exciting ways to interact. For its global fans, and for generations to come, it invites everyone in to find the magic for themselves.

For the latest Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts news and features, visit www.harrypotter.com.

All characters and elements © & Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s26)

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UPPER DECK ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE, LONG-TERM TRADING CARD DEAL WITH USA HOCKEY

Carlsbad, CA (December 11, 2025) – Upper Deck, the worldwide leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, today announced an exclusive, long-term trading card deal with USA Hockey, one of the most established and innovative organizations in sports. As the top manufacturer of hockey collectibles, Upper Deck will bring that expertise and experience to help connect fans with some of hockey’s best players as they represent their country. 

This deal will introduce Upper Deck’s first-ever jersey patch sponsorship, with the company’s logo being displayed on the USA Hockey U18 men’s and women’s team jerseys in upcoming international competitions. This collaboration also marks the first time Upper Deck USA Hockey trading cards will be produced – celebrating top prospects, stars, and legends of the program. 

“Upper Deck has been at the forefront of helping fans celebrate hockey’s most elite athletes for 35 years, whether that’s established superstars or the next generation of talent,” said Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. “It’s a very special moment for players to represent their country on a national stage, and just as significant for fans rooting for their country as well, and this collaboration will let us capture iconic, emotional moments and reproduce them through trading cards.” 

To mark the start of the agreement, Upper Deck is releasing its first-ever USA Hockey trading card set. Available now exclusively on the Upper Deck e-Pack® platform, the 2026 USA Hockey Showcase set features four USA Hockey stars and Upper Deck exclusive athletes: Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Cole Hutson, and Taylor Heise. In addition to base cards which fall one per pack, collectors can also look out for several different parallels, including blue, USA Hockey Logo, USA Flag, and an autograph variation that will come as an additional bonus card in select packs. Achievement cards will also be available, including autographs. 

An Upper Deck Authenticated USA Hockey memorabilia collection is also available for pre-order. The collection features four Upper Deck exclusive athletes. Fans can purchase signed items from Taylor Heise, Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, and Cole Hutson at UpperDeck.com now, and can stay tuned for future products from USA Hockey players. 

“Upper Deck is synonymous with hockey, and their experience creating premium collectibles made them a natural fit for USA Hockey,” said Tony Driscoll, Assistant Executive Director of USA Hockey. “We’re excited to further highlight our players and provide fans a way to connect with them as they play on the global stage.”  

Hockey fans and collectors can find the latest information on upcoming USA Hockey trading cards and memorabilia 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 http://www.upperdeck.com or follow us on Facebook (/UpperDeck), Instagram (UpperDeckSports), X (formerly known as Twitter) (UpperDeckSports), and YouTube (UDvids).  

Upper Deck Media Contact: 

Nicole Curro, nicole@carvecomms.com 

About USA Hockey 

USA Hockey, established on October 29, 1937, and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, provides the foundation for the sport of ice hockey in America; helps young people become leaders, sometimes Olympic or Paralympic heroes; and connects the game at every level while promoting a lifelong love of the sport. USA Hockey is more than a million strong, including players, coaches, officials and volunteers that span all 50 states. The National Governing Body for the sport in the United States, USA Hockey has important partnerships with the NHL, PWHL, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and International Ice Hockey Federation. For more information, visit usahockey.com.

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