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
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Categories: Upperdeck Tags: announces, Card, COLLABORATION, Dead, Deck, First, GRATEFUL, Trading, Upper
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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Categories: Upperdeck Tags: announces, Card, Deal, Deck, exclusive, Hockey, LongTerm, Trading, Upper
2025 Fall Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo
Upper Deck is excited to have collectors and sports enthusiasts join us for this year’s Fall Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo taking place in Mississauga, ON from Thursday, November 6 – Sunday, November 9. As part of the largest and longest-running sports collectibles show in Canada, Upper Deck will be bringing back the ever-popular Wrapper Redemption Program, and for the first time we are bringing our renowned personalized trading card station! Visit Upper Deck at booth #610
Upper Deck Breaker Lounge
Come join Upper Deck in our Breaker Lounge area, which is fully furnished with chairs and tables. Open the latest products, trade, and connect with other collectors. Please note, our breakers lounge is for breaking Upper Deck product only.
NEW! Personalized Trading Card Station
If you have ever attended an NHL Marquee Event, you have more than likely seen the Upper Deck Personalized Trading Card activation. If you haven’t, now is your chance to claim one of your own! Upper Deck will be offering the activation for free, and you will be able to take home a physical (and collectible) keepsake. Anyone who makes a P-Card will also receive an Expo exclusive promo card of Connor McDavid. One promo card per person per day. Be sure to make the Upper Deck booth your first stop of the day, because the line is sure to get long. Take a photo by yourself or with friends to commemorate the 2025 Fall Expo for years to come!
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SHOW EXCLUSIVE! 2025 Monumental Boxes
The wildly-popular mystery boxes are back! This is your chance to take part in the excitement and open a hockey box that contains three autographed memorabilia items per box. Athletes featured include Wayne Gretzky, Connor McDavid, Bobby Orr, and more. Look for brand-new Hot Boxes featuring a Team-themed Toronto Maple Leafs Box and a country-themed Team Canada Box. Each Monumental box will be offered at ,400 CAD. These are sure to sell out, so be sure to stop by!
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2025 Fall Expo Wrapper Redemption Program
Back by popular demand! Collectors will receive an exclusive Fall Expo pack when they buy a qualifying product from a Certified Diamond Dealer at the show (while supplies last). Collectors can participate by purchasing any of the sealed products listed in the image below. See photo for full redemption program details:
*VIEW FULL CHECKLIST AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
FREE Daily Drawing
Want a chance to win Upper Deck prizes? Don’t miss out on the FREE daily drawing at our booth! Must be present to win. One ticket per person, per draw. Draw times below:
Customer Care
Do you have any questions about Upper Deck or our products? Upper Deck’s Customer Care team will be on-site and ready to assist! Share your Fall Expo pulls and showcase all the fun on social media! Be sure to use #SportCardExpo and tag @UpperDeckSports! We look forward to seeing you at the show!
Wrapper Redemption Checklist
The 2025 Fall Expo packs include a wide variety of cards including the return of Victory Black Rookies and Parkhurst Priority Signings, and the all-new insert Flex Power! See the full checklist below:
Ebay Contest
Hockey fans! Stop by the @ebaycanada booth at the Sports Card & Memorabilia Expo on Thursday, November 6 and until 12:00PM EST on Friday, November 7 to enter for the chance to meet Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies and win an autographed jersey. Plus, with proof of any 2025-26 Upper Deck Series 1 card or box purchase on eBay.ca in October or November 2025, you could triple your chance of winning! See the full terms and conditions: https://pages.ebay.ca/scmecontestrules/
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