Kobe signs deal with Panini Group

Iamabeasttt · Post #1 » by **Iamabeasttt** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:20 pm

The Panini Group, the NBA's exclusive trading card partner, has signed four-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers as its official company spokesman and global trading card ambassador.

Bryant's exclusive multi-year agreement with Panini includes autographs, memorabilia, and a joint charitable component. The deal is a landmark one for the trading-card industry and will help to re-energize the basketball collectibles market both in the United States and Internationally.
p1_kobe-092909.jpg

"I am honored to join the Panini family," Bryant said. "Panini and I are really excited about embracing the challenge of re-igniting the collecting of basketball trading cards and sticker collections ... and everyone knows I like challenges! We look forward to building off the momentum generated from last season's NBA Championship, and taking that energy to another level. I know from my own experience growing up, how fun collecting and trading these products can be. I really believe collecting these products has the power, through the unique emotions of sports, to unify and strengthen bonds within families and across social groups, no matter what age you are. Panini and I are passionate about developing this hobby in many new and exciting ways. All I can say for now is to have fun expecting the unexpected from us!"

Panini's inaugural first NBA trading card release, Panini Prestige Basketball, will launch on Oct. 7 and will feature the first authentic autographs from Bryant. He also will appear on Panini's packaging for future NBA trading card releases and within advertising with future television and radio commercials planned.

"Kobe is going to be the face of Panini basketball and help to get kids excited about NBA trading cards," said Panini Group Licensing Director Peter Warsop. "He will serve as the greatest of ambassadors for Panini basketball products around the world. We couldn't be more proud to be associated with one of the most spectacular and transcendent athletes on the planet."

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/09/29/kobe ... index.html

fareweatherfan · Post #2 » by **fareweatherfan** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:18 pm

I sure hope this helps "to re-energize the basketball collectibles market" b/c I have boxes of cards from the 90's that I wouldn't mind unloading for a nice profit.

lakersfanatic · Post #3 » by **lakersfanatic** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:30 pm

it might not spark basketball card collecting here in the U.S but i know for sure it will internationally especially in China.
Time to take out mah rookie cards and holograms hehe

Mamba Venom · Post #4 » by **Mamba Venom** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 3:10 am

Basketball cards boom when the economy booms

last time I checked a lot of people aren't spending money on card board w/ stats.

Its a shame because I have about 100 Kobe rookie cards nut now days if you want to check the stats go to a website. Its easier than ever to get by w/o cards.