The Upper Deck Company Signs Top NBA Prospect Marvin Williams to Represent NBA Line of Products; Highly-Touted Rookie Inks Exclusive Autograph Deal with Leading Publisher of Sports Cards, Collectibles & Memorabilia

Business Wire, June 28, 2005

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- The Upper Deck Company announced today the signing of one of the most highly-touted young talents in basketball, NCAA Champion Marvin Williams, to his first professional trading card sponsorship deal. With many basketball experts predicting Williams to be a top pick in this year's NBA draft, the McDonald's and Parade All-America award winner has agreed to an exclusive autograph trading card agreement with Upper Deck which includes autographs, premiums packaging and promotional rights. Upper Deck will also incorporate Marvin Williams into upcoming memorabilia products. Upper Deck Director of Product Development Joe Fallon and Williams' attorney Jim Tanner of Williams & Connolly jointly announced the deal today.

"It's exciting to be a part of the Upper Deck Team," said Williams. "I always dreamed of having my own Upper Deck card as a kid. I can't wait to see my first autographed card in a pack."

"Marvin Williams is one of the most exciting young players in this year's draft," said Director of Product Development for Upper Deck, Joe Fallon. "It is fitting that Marvin Williams and Upper Deck join forces in an exclusive relationship that will bring fantastic products to fans and collectors worldwide."

Williams will make his first appearance in Upper Deck's NBA release, Rookie Debut, which will hit store shelves in late-August. Rookie Debut will highlight this season's notable rookie class. Additional Upper Deck Spokesmen include: Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Ken Griffey Jr., Joe Thornton and Wayne Gretzky, to name a few.

About The Upper Deck Company

Founded in 1988, the Upper Deck Co. 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. For more information on the Upper Deck Company, please visit www.upperdeck.com.