Wade Joins Upper Deck

Originally Posted by Sports Collectors Daily on June 8th, 2009.

The Upper Deck Company has signed Miami Heat Guard Dwyane Wade to an exclusive autographed memorabilia deal. Wade joins reigning league MVP LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul, as well as longtime company spokesman Michael Jordan on the company's NBA clientele list.

“Dwyane Wade is one of the NBA’s most admired and dynamic players, so Upper Deck is extremely excited to join forces with a player of Dwyane’s caliber,” said Tim Muret, vice president of Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA), the company’s memorabilia division.

Since entering the league in 2003, Wade has become one of the league's most marketable stars. He was named MVP of the 2006 NBA Finals, leading the Heat to a championship victory over the Dallas Mavericks. After falling behind two games to none, Wade led his Miami teammates to four straight victories to secure the franchise’s only NBA title. He averaged 34.6 point per game in the series which included 42 and 43 points, respectively, in Games 3 and 5.

“Adding Upper Deck as an endorsement partner fits perfectly into Dwyane’s goal to associate himself with top quality brands”, said Henry Thomas, Wade’s agent.

Wade will be signing a wide assortment of products for Upper Deck including basketballs, jerseys, photos, and select game-worn items. As of now, Wade jerseys, priced at $325 are being sold at the UpperDeckStore.com.