The Upper Deck Company Signs Hoops Phenom LeBron James to Exclusive Deal to Represent NBA Line

Business Wire,  May 22, 2003  

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CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2003

Highly-Touted Rookie Signs Multiyear Deal with

Leading Publisher of Sports Cards, Collectibles & Memorabilia

The Upper Deck Company LLC announced today the signing of hoops phenom LeBron James, one of the most highly-touted young talents in basketball history, to his first professional sponsorship deal.

Predicted to be the first pick in this year's NBA draft, James, the three-time Mr. Basketball in the state of Ohio and two-time High School National Player of the Year, has agreed to a multi-year exclusive trading card collectibles and memorabilia agreement with Upper Deck that includes autographs, premiums packaging and promotional rights.

"Every kid who plays sports aspires to be the best and be part of a winning team. Today's deal with The Upper Deck Company not only means that I've joined a team that is the leader in the collectibles industry, but also allows me to be part of a team of world class athletes representing their products," said LeBron James.

Other Upper Deck Spokesmen include: Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Ichiro, Hideki Matsui, Peyton Manning and David Beckham, to name a few.

"Upper Deck is known for producing the most collectible and innovative trading cards and memorabilia in the world. It is fitting that LeBron James and Upper Deck join forces in an exclusive relationship that will bring exciting products to fans and collectors worldwide," said Vice-President of Sports Product Development Tim Muret.

LeBron James has been attracting national attention for his accomplishments on the court since his sophomore year in high school and announcing his decision to consider leaving school his junior year to enter the NBA draft. His talents have been compared to the likes of Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. James received unprecedented national attention during his senior season with his games being broadcast on national television -- including twice on ESPN. In addition, NBA superstars Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson and Michael Jordan have attended James' high school games.

James is making his Upper Deck NBA card set debut in Top Prospects and Victory Basketball. 2003-04 Top Prospects, highlighting this season's rookie class, will be available nationwide July 29th. Upper Deck's 2003-04 Victory Basketball offers collectors an inexpensive product featuring a fun interactive game play element, on store shelves August 21st.

About The Upper Deck Company

The Upper Deck Co. LLC is a premier sports and entertainment publishing company that delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts. Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Co. LLC is located in Carlsbad, Calif.

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