Panini America, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company and the exclusive trading card partner of the NBA, will pay tribute to Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during the 2012-13 season with a unique year-long trading card set, Kobe Anthology, devoted exclusively to the five-time NBA champion.
Panini America, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company and the exclusive trading card partner of the NBA, will pay tribute to Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during the 2012-13 season with a unique year-long trading card set, Kobe Anthology, devoted exclusively to the five-time NBA champion.
One five-card pack of Kobe Anthology cards will be included inside every hobby box of Panini America’s 2012-13 NBA products, beginning with the release of 2012-13 NBA Hoops later this month. The set includes 200 cards chronicling Bryant’s decorated career, including rare autographs and game-worn memorabilia. As part of the tribute, Panini America will conduct special promotions, including an opportunity for five lucky fans to meet Bryant face to face.
“Kobe Bryant has been a vital part of Panini America’s DNA since entering the U.S. marketplace three years ago,” said Mark Warsop, Panini America CEO, about the company’s Brand Ambassador. “He’s one of the most visible faces of our company and a member of the Panini family. We’re proud to honor him with Kobe Anthology, a massive undertaking that will serve as a key centerpiece for everything we do in the NBA this season.”
Bryant was the first spokesman signed by Panini America when it entered the United States in 2009 after landing exclusive rights to produce NBA trading cards. Since then, Bryant has been featured prominently in all of Panini America’s basketball initiatives, from launching the Panini Authentic division to appearing on the World’s Largest Trading Card as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
“Working with Panini America has truly been rewarding for me, and to be featured so prominently on their trading cards and packaging is an honor,” Bryant said.
We’ll have much more on Kobe Anthology in the weeks to come right here on The Knight’s Lance. Until then, enjoy this massive gallery previewing some of the 200 cards in the set.
Terrific job, Panini! Will we see Kobe in this year’s Olympic uniform?
Wow… cool concept. Any idea if this will be translated to other individuals and other sports? Maybe highlighting a single different athlete each year?
nice kobe~!!!
What a great idea! I assume its redemption cards for the chance to meet Kobe? That would be a dream come true to meet a star athlete. Only athletes I have ever met were, David Megget, Ed McCaffrey, and a few other Giants. Would be sweet to land an auto as well. Especially since everyone has equal chances if these are inserted into all products!
Great idea Panini, it’s time to give Kobe the Jordan treatment. The Wax Czar loves Kobe!
Knowing in a few years he’ll be hanging it up, this is a great way to pay tribute to The Black Mamba!!! The cards look great it gets right to the point and shows Kobe in all his glory! Beautiful job guys on the cards keep it up! Hey Tracy will u try to get these guys to do a insert set on the Kevin Durant!!
Welp.
Looks like I’m starting a new hobby this year …. collecting all 200 of these Kobe trading cards.
We love it! Glad to hear it.
tracy thanks for all nice updates and good previews,i have a question to ask you that i need help organising,i started collecting kobe bryant anthology cards,i would like you to explain how the cards will be separated i mean i know i will not be able to get all 200 from the hoops,or prestige,so if you know from what number to what number will be in each product it wold make a life easyer for me so i know what product to buy when i need a sertain card.thanks a lot in advance,
Appreciate the kind words, Zoran. I’ll try to get a checklist that lays out what cards are going into what products on Monday.
Hey Tracy,
Have you all created a checklist yet? Still working hard looking for the full collection.
Thanks!