UPPER DECK EXTENDS EXCLUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH MICHAEL JORDAN, NAMES HIM AS COMPANY’S FIRST LEGACY PARTNER
CARLSBAD, CA (July 8, 2026) – In 1992, Upper Deck launched an anonymous marketing campaign with a Chicago billboard that read “Trade Jordan,” rocking the sports world as basketball fans speculated about the absurd idea of a possible swap involving #23. The billboard was later replaced with imagery of Michael Jordan Upper Deck trading cards, boldly promoting the then-two-time NBA champion’s new licensing agreement with Upper Deck, making him the company’s first exclusive basketball spokesperson and granting Upper Deck exclusive rights to produce his authenticated, autographed collectibles.
Today, Upper Deck launched a campaign that is a nod to the initial ‘Trade Jordan’ rollout, but with the opposite message: “You Don’t Trade Greatness, You Keep it for a Lifetime,” announcing the expansion of the relationship and naming Michael Jordan as Upper Deck’s first Legacy Partner.
To commemorate this monumental milestone, Upper Deck has developed two unique programs:
(1) 23 factory-sealed packs from the coveted 1986-87 Fleer Basketball trading card set (where Michael Jordan’s iconic rookie card may be found) have been acquired through a buyback program, and each pack is autographed by Michael Jordan, with one pack featuring a 1-of-1 inscription “Rookie Pack,” then all inserted into a new trading card set—the 2026 Goodwin Champions.
(2) Upper Deck has collaborated with eBay to auction a one-of-a-kind full box of 1986-87 Fleer Basketball that features Jordan’s exclusive autograph, and a similar inscription “Rookie Card Box,” connecting the two programs. Ten percent of the auction proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“We are honored that Michael Jordan continues to choose Upper Deck as his partner. For more than three decades we’ve worked with Michael to fundamentally change the collectibles industry. We bring the most sought-after trading cards and memorabilia to fans around the world as the only pieces guaranteed to feature his authentic autograph,” said Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck.
“I’m proud to be Upper Deck’s first Legacy Partner. For more than 30 years, this partnership has been about creating something different – cards and memorabilia collectors can’t find anywhere else. I’m looking forward to what comes next,” said Michael Jordan.
This historical partnership has shaped the sports memorabilia landscape since the original exclusive agreement between Upper Deck and Michael Jordan in 1991 and continues to evolve, including ever-growing commitment to combat counterfeit collectibles and to protect the authenticity of Michael Jordan’s autograph.
The campaign “You Don’t Trade Greatness, You Keep it for a Lifetime,” contains multiple unique meanings. Michael Jordan collectibles are about more than trading and selling; they are about creating connections, forming identities and sharing the passion of these collectibles with generations to come. It also reflects the historical data that Michael Jordan collectibles have become more and more treasured because of Upper Deck’s commitment to protecting the exclusivity and authenticity, innovation and high-quality standards in its exclusive Michael Jordan products.
To learn more, please 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,/UpperDeckEnt), Instagram (UpperDeckSports,UpperDeckEnt), X (formerly known as Twitter) (UpperDeckSports,UpperDeckEnt), and YouTube (UDvids).
Media Contact:
Nicole Curro, nicole@carvecomms.com
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Categories: Upperdeck Tags: Company’s, Deck, exclusive, EXTENDS, First, Jordan, Legacy, Michael, names, Partner, RELATIONSHIP, Upper
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
TOP-RANKED GOLFER NELLY KORDA SIGNS AS UPPER DECK EXCLUSIVE ATHLETE
Carlsbad, CA (Feb. 17, 2026) – Upper Deck, the worldwide leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, is expanding its commitment to golf by announcing that top talent Nelly Korda has joined the Upper Deck roster as an exclusive athlete. She joins an already impressive roster led by Tiger Woods, and including Collin Morikawa, Rose Zhang, and Lydia Ko. As the company celebrates 25 years of producing high-quality and innovative golf collectibles, collectors will have a chance to chase Korda’s coveted Young Guns trading card and other unique inserts as part of 2026 Upper Deck Golf. Additionally, an all-new, thoughtfully curated Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) memorabilia collection highlights her successful and groundbreaking career.
“Upper Deck has a long history of working with world-class athletes like Nelly who transcend their sport and become cultural icons,” said Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. “She can bring new collectors to the hobby, and in turn we’ll deliver the Upper Deck standard: premium trading cards and memorabilia that reflect Nelly as a one-of-a-kind athlete.”
Since she turned pro at the age of 17 and won her first professional event that same year, Korda has perennially ranked near the top of the Women’s World Golf Rankings, where she has collectively spent more than 100 weeks as number one. Among her 21 professional titles, she won two major championships in 2021 and 2024, along with a gold medal representing the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Korda’s 2024 season was historic, as she won seven times on the LPGA Tour, including five tournaments in a row culminating in a major title at the 2024 Chevron Championship. It’s moments like these that will be captured in Upper Deck products, including Upper Deck Golf and Goodwin Champions trading cards, as well as UDA signed memorabilia. Korda’s first collection is available now, offering fans and collectors a curated selection of items to commemorate her achievements. The release features signed polos and visors, as well as original designed prints celebrating her career, with select pieces highlighting her standout 2024 season.
“I’ve seen firsthand the passion and joy that collecting brings to so many people, and the way that Upper Deck honors that passion and creates memorable experiences for collectors and fans. I’m excited to collaborate with Upper Deck and engage with the community,” said Korda. “It isn’t just about creating collectibles; it’s about working with a company that knows how to best represent your brand and help connect with fans all over the world – which Upper Deck has done for years with the most notable athletes of all time.”
Alongside Korda’s UDA collection, 2026 Upper Deck Golf will be available at Certified Diamond Dealers worldwide, mass retailers, as well as Upper Deck’s e-Pack
platform. Fans can stay up to date on future trading card sets and memorabilia featuring Korda 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), Instagram (UpperDeckSports), X (formerly known as Twitter) (UpperDeckSports), and YouTube (UDvids).
Media Contact:
Matt Burkey, matt@carvecomms.com
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