Kobe Bryant is the jewel in Panini's basketball crown as Upper Deck still has exclusive contracts with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, and Andrew Bynum. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is the official spokesman for NBA trading cards.
“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! 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 America is the exclusive trading card partner of the NBA. This week Panini launched Adrenalyn, an interactive trading card game, geared to children ages 6 to 11. The game brings together the excitement of the NBA with the thrill of collecting. Adrenalyn features a 450-card set featuring NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade and NBA rookies Blake Griffin and Brandon Jennings. The front of each Adrenalyn card features an offensive, defensive, and overall rating so kids can play the game using the Adrenalyn game board.
Each card has a unique authorization code on the back of each card allows kids to upload their cards online to a virtual collector's album and play the game at www.paniniadrenalyn.com. Adrenalyn cards, collector's kits, and starter sets are available at Wal-Mart, Target, Toys'R'Us, and online at NBAStore.com.
