UPPER DECK EXTENDS EXCLUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH MICHAEL JORDAN, NAMES HIM AS COMPANY’S FIRST LEGACY PARTNER
Over the last 35 years, Upper Deck and Michael Jordan have created the gold standard for sports collectibles. Now, they’re extending and expanding the relationship, as Upper Deck names Michael Jordan the company’s first Legacy Partner.
This historical partnership has shaped the sports memorabilia landscape since the original exclusive agreement between Upper Deck and Michael Jordan in 1991 and continues to evolve, as both work to continue to push the hobby forward and bring collectors unparalleled and exclusive access to Michael Jordan’s authenticated, autographed collectibles.
where it all began.
In 1992, shortly after Michael Jordan was named Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year, and in the middle of a second consecutive championship run, a stark white billboard appeared in Chicago carrying two words that sent the city into an uproar: “TRADE JORDAN.” For days, the message remained a mystery, sparking outrage among fans and headlines around the world. Collectibles leader Upper Deck was later revealed to be behind the billboard, as they added another line, “We’ve been doing it for years.” The campaign was never about trading Jordan away. It was about the trading cards and memorabilia that put his greatness into the hands of collectors everywhere.
Decades later, the message has evolved. Upper Deck’s newest billboard reads, “You don’t trade greatness, you keep it for a lifetime.” Where the brand once invited the world to “Trade Jordan,” it now speaks to the legacy the two have created – pieces of history that collectors hold onto for generations. The relationship between Upper Deck and Michael Jordan has only deepened over the last 35 years, and so has the message; once it was about the thrill of the trade – now it’s about greatness you never let go.
Milestones of Greatness.
The 1982 NCAA Championship Game-Winner
Before the NBA titles, a college freshman Michael Jordan hit a mid-range jumper with 15 seconds left to lead the University of North Carolina to a victory over Georgetown. Jordan has often cited this “First Shot” as the moment he transitioned from “Mike Jordan” to “Michael Jordan.”
Rookie of the year (1985)
After being selected 3rd overall out of the University of North Carolina, Michael Jordan went on to have one of the most dominant debut seasons in basketball history for the Chicago Bulls. During his rookie year, he averaged 28.2 PTS, 6.5 REB, and 5.9 AST per game, while also leading the Bulls to the playoffs for the first time in three years. Jordan also competed in his first slam dunk contest, finishing runner-up to Dominique Wilkins.
"God Disguised as Michael Jordan" (1986)
In the first round of the playoffs against a legendary Boston Celtics team, Jordan set an NBA playoff record with 63 points in a single game. Despite the Bulls losing in double overtime, Larry Bird famously remarked, “I think it’s just God disguised as Michael Jordan.”
The 1988 Slam Dunk Contest
In a showdown with Dominique Wilkins in Chicago, Jordan needed a nearly perfect score to win. He ran the length of the floor, took off from the free throw line, and delivered an iconic double-clutch dunk that cemented his status as Air Jordan.
"The Shot" over Craig Ehlo (1989)
In a winner-take-all Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jordan hit a hanging jumper at the buzzer to clinch the series. His celebratory fist-pumping leap remains one of the most replayed highlights in sports history.
The First Championship and "The Move" (1991)
During Game 2 of the Finals against the Lakers, Jordan performed a spectacular mid-air hand switch, shifting the ball from his right hand to his left to avoid a defender. This series marked the beginning of the Bulls dynasty and the official passing of the torch from Magic Johnson to Michael Jordan.
The Dream Team (1992)
Jordan headlined the greatest collection of basketball talent ever assembled for the Barcelona Olympics. The team’s global impact transformed basketball into a worldwide phenomenon and solidified Jordan as a global cultural icon.
The "Father's Day" Championship (1996)
After a brief retirement to play baseball, Jordan returned and led the Bulls to a then-record 72-10 regular season. Winning the title on Father’s Day, the first championship after the passing of his father resulted in an emotional scene on the locker room floor that transcended the game and basketball.
The Flu Game (1997)
Battling severe food poisoning (famously dubbed “The Flu Game”), a visibly weakened Jordan played 44 minutes against the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of the Finals. He finished with 38 points, including a crucial late three-pointer, and had to be carried to the bench by teammate Scottie Pippen.
"The Last Shot" (1998)
In his final game with the Bulls, Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone and drove downcourt to hit a 20-foot jumper over Bryon Russell with 5.2 seconds remaining. It secured a second three-peat and served as the perfect closing act to his career in Chicago.
The 1982 NCAA Championship Game-Winner
Before the NBA titles, a college freshman Michael Jordan hit a mid-range jumper with 15 seconds left to lead the University of North Carolina to a victory over Georgetown. Jordan has often cited this “First Shot” as the moment he transitioned from “Mike Jordan” to “Michael Jordan.”
Rookie of the year (1985)
After being selected 3rd overall out of the University of North Carolina, Michael Jordan went on to have one of the most dominant debut seasons in basketball history for the Chicago Bulls. During his rookie year, he averaged 28.2 PTS, 6.5 REB, and 5.9 AST per game, while also leading the Bulls to the playoffs for the first time in three years. Jordan also competed in his first slam dunk contest, finishing runner-up to Dominique Wilkins.
"God Disguised as Michael Jordan" (1986)
In the first round of the playoffs against a legendary Boston Celtics team, Jordan set an NBA playoff record with 63 points in a single game. Despite the Bulls losing in double overtime, Larry Bird famously remarked, “I think it’s just God disguised as Michael Jordan.”
The 1988 Slam Dunk Contest
In a showdown with Dominique Wilkins in Chicago, Jordan needed a nearly perfect score to win. He ran the length of the floor, took off from the free throw line, and delivered an iconic double-clutch dunk that cemented his status as Air Jordan.
"The Shot" over Craig Ehlo (1989)
In a winner-take-all Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jordan hit a hanging jumper at the buzzer to clinch the series. His celebratory fist-pumping leap remains one of the most replayed highlights in sports history.
The First Championship and "The Move" (1991)
During Game 2 of the Finals against the Lakers, Jordan performed a spectacular mid-air hand switch, shifting the ball from his right hand to his left to avoid a defender. This series marked the beginning of the Bulls dynasty and the official passing of the torch from Magic Johnson to Michael Jordan.
The Dream Team (1992)
Jordan headlined the greatest collection of basketball talent ever assembled for the Barcelona Olympics. The team’s global impact transformed basketball into a worldwide phenomenon and solidified Jordan as a global cultural icon.
The "Father's Day" Championship (1996)
After a brief retirement to play baseball, Jordan returned and led the Bulls to a then-record 72-10 regular season. Winning the title on Father’s Day, the first championship after the passing of his father resulted in an emotional scene on the locker room floor that transcended the game and basketball.
The Flu Game (1997)
Battling severe food poisoning (famously dubbed “The Flu Game”), a visibly weakened Jordan played 44 minutes against the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of the Finals. He finished with 38 points, including a crucial late three-pointer, and had to be carried to the bench by teammate Scottie Pippen.
"The Last Shot" (1998)
In his final game with the Bulls, Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone and drove downcourt to hit a 20-foot jumper over Bryon Russell with 5.2 seconds remaining. It secured a second three-peat and served as the perfect closing act to his career in Chicago.