UPPER DECK ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE AUTOGRAPH TRADING CARD DEAL WITH 2026 NHL FIRST OVERALL PICK GAVIN MCKENNA
Carlsbad, CA (June 26, 2026) – Upper Deck, the worldwide leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, is proud to welcome Gavin McKenna, the first overall pick in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, to its roster. As part of the deal, Upper Deck will be the sole producer of McKenna’s NHL autographed trading cards – holding the rights to use McKenna’s name, image, likeness, and autograph on Upper Deck trading cards, including popular brands like the Upper Deck Flagship Series, SP Authentic, and O-Pee-Chee-Platinum.
At 18 years old, Gavin McKenna has already announced his arrival to the NHL even before stepping on the ice for the first time. In the 2025-26 season, the Penn State forward registered an exceptional 51 points, 15 goals, and 36 assists in 35 games. His standout freshman season earned him Big Ten Scoring Champion and Freshman of the Year honors, as well as a spot among finalists for the Hobey Baker Award. Along the way, McKenna set a new Penn State single-season record for assists and became the first player in program history to lead the conference in scoring. McKenna also recorded 14 points in seven games at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Known for his creativity and offensive playmaking, he continues to captivate fans as he makes the jump to the professional level.
“Gavin McKenna is already setting a new standard with his record-breaking performance at Penn State. As a prospect, his combination of hustle and creativity truly sets him apart,” said Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. “We’re excited to welcome him to the Upper Deck roster, and can’t wait to capture and commemorate the moments that will define his career for collectors and fans around the world.”
Gavin McKenna trading cards will be available in Upper Deck flagship products, including his highly anticipated rookie cards like Young Guns®, Future Watch, and more during the 2026-27 NHL season at Certified Diamond Dealers worldwide as well as mass retailers. McKenna’s exclusive cards will also be available on Upper Deck e-Pack®, including his first NHL trading card as part of Upper Deck’s new ‘First Round Draft Cards’ program, which commemorates in real time the moment players are drafted. Players’ photos will be taken on stage as they hear their name called, and turned into a trading card that will be available on UpperDeckEPack.com shortly after they’re drafted. To stay up to date on all of McKenna’s upcoming Upper Deck trading cards, visit 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), Instagram (UpperDeckSports), X (formerly known as Twitter) (UpperDeckSports), and YouTube (UDvids).
Upper Deck Media Contact:
Matt Burkey, matt@carvecomms.com
NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks and NHL Draft name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League. © 2026 NHL. All Rights Reserved.
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Categories: Upperdeck Tags: 2026, announces, Autograph, Card, Deal, Deck, exclusive, First, GAVIN, MCKENNA, OVERALL, Pick, Trading, Upper
UPPER DECK CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ICONIC ‘SPACE JAM’ MOVIE WITH 23XI RACING COLLABORATION, NEW COLLECTIBLES
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.
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Categories: Upperdeck Tags: 23XI, 30th, anniversary, Celebrates, COLLABORATION, Collectibles, Deck, Iconic, JAM’, MOVIE, Racing, Space, Upper
Legends Are Born at the Upper Deck NHL Draft
By Stephen Laroche
The connection between hockey legends and their trading cards often begins when they are fresh-faced rookies. A rite of passage shared by countless young players, the path to greatness features a common thread – the Upper Deck NHL Draft, an event which the company has proudly sponsored for the past five years, and one that sends prospects on a path to living out their childhood dream, and maybe being mentioned as one of the all-time greats one day.
Not Every Legend Was Drafted
In the days before the NHL instituted a formal amateur draft, however, scouts for the Original Six clubs searched everywhere for talented young men to play on their sponsored junior teams.
After seeing a teenaged defenseman and future Upper Deck spokesman Bobby Orr during a tournament, Boston Bruins scout Wren Blair was determined to bring him into the fold. After meeting with the Orr family, he was able to obtain his rights by signing what was called a C form. During the pre-draft era, this tied a prospect to one of the six clubs in perpetuity until they retired or the team decided to trade away their rights.
At age 14, Orr debuted with the Oshawa Generals and established himself as a generational prospect. His final junior campaign (1965-66) was one for the ages as he averaged two points per game on the way to a championship. The rebuilding Bruins brought him aboard soon after and his impact on the game was immediate.
Gretzky’s Unconventional Route to Glory
Much like Orr, longtime Upper Deck exclusive spokesperson Wayne Gretzky did not hear his name called on draft day. Instead, the NHL’s all-time leading scorer ultimately did things his own way.
Hailing from Brantford, Ontario, Gretzky made national headlines at the age of 10 after scoring a mind-boggling 378 goals. By 1977-78, his path took him to the OMJHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, where he donned the iconic number 99 for the first time.
In the late 1970s, players were not drafted until they were 20 years old but the struggling World Hockey Association was making waves by pursuing younger talents. The Indianapolis Racers brokered a deal with the 17-year-old superstar and he joined them for a mere eight games before the cash-strapped club dealt him away to the Edmonton Oilers.
In his first year Gretzky defied critics and won WHA Rookie of the Year honors. Soon after, four of the rival league’s clubs joined the NHL and the Oilers retained his rights due to a personal services contract with team owner Peter Pocklington and made him a priority selection heading into the 1979 NHL Expansion Draft.
First Round Picks Have Legendary Potential
Players perceived as having the greatest potential tend to be chosen in the early stages of the draft and first round picks historically tend to be more hits than misses. In some years, some of these names will go on to become true legends.
Before the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, Paul Coffey was touted as one of the brightest blueline prospects. In 1979-80, he had emerged as an elite offensive specialist and split the season between Sault Ste. Marie and the Kitchener Rangers – leading the latter club with 71 points over 52 games.
Edmonton was underrated by many experts at the time – but the shrewdness of their scouts, headed by Barry Fraser, ensured that the team was on its way to becoming a serious contender. Having selected future Hall of Famers Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe, and Glenn Anderson a year earlier and with Gretzky already in the fold, this draft brought them more legends in Coffey, Jari Kurri, and Andy Moog. This group would ultimately capture its first Stanley Cup in 1984.
Coffey, taken seventh overall, did not take long to become one of the game’s best. By mid-decade, he consistently racked up over 100 points a year and eventually became the second player at his position to record over 1,000 career points.
Success Can Come With Later Picks
Even those that aren’t chosen in the first round can rise to stardom. Another legend selected later in 1980 proved to be one of the decade’s best. During the fourth round, the Los Angeles Kings added a player that generated tremendous excitement in the years that followed by calling out the name of Bernie Nicholls from the OMJHL’s Kingston Canadians.
Despite not cracking the lineup right away, Nicholls was determined to succeed. Unable to be held back, Nicholls debuted with the Kings in 1981-82 and developed into a lethal scoring talent. By the time Gretzky joined the team, he exploded with a career-best 70 goals and 150 points in 1988-89.
While most drafted players are selected in their first year of eligibility, there were some that needed more time to hone their skills. In the case of Hall of Famer Mark Recchi, he was able to prove himself and recorded an eye-popping 154 points with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers in 1987-88.
Even with that impressive total, he had to wait until the fourth round of that year’s draft before the Pittsburgh Penguins took him 67th overall. After a short apprenticeship in the minors, he swiftly rose to stardom and eventually captured three Stanley Cups.
Great Goalies Come From Deep Picks
Some of the game’s greatest netminders have been selected beyond the first two rounds and in 1984, the Montreal Canadiens used a third rounder (51st overall) to take Patrick Roy of the QMJHL’s Granby Bisons. Most goalies need several years to develop, but this Upper Deck spokesman defied the trend. Snaring the top job for the Habs as a rookie in 1985-86, he backstopped the club to the Cup. By the time he retired, he added three more championship rings to his collection along with other numerous awards.
The path to the NHL is not always linear and can often take several twists and turns. Talent is a player’s true measure and like it has in the past, the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft is bound to add a few more legends to hockey’s lush historical record.
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