60 Years of the Most Exclusive NBA Trading Cards on Display

NEW YORK, May 13, 2008 – The NBA Store is giving fans a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the rarest NBA trading cards from the past 60 years with “Where Trading Cards Happen” – an exhibit that pays tribute to one of America’s oldest hobbies – collecting and trading cards. “Where Trading Cards Happen” opens Thursday, May 8, and features some of the first NBA trading cards ever produced, including the rookie cards of George Mikan from 1948 and Pete Maravich from 1970-71, as well as a Wilt Chamberlain card from 1970-71.

Displaying vintage cards that have only been seen by the most avid card collectors, the exhibit spans cards of players from the late 1940s to present day. Fans can see cards of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Karl Malone and Jerry West, as well as cards of today’s stars such as Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James and Chris Paul. The exhibit also showcases some of the current trends in card collecting, such as autographed cards and cards featuring a piece of the player’s actual game-worn jersey.

Collecting sports trading cards has been a popular hobby for over a century. Upper Deck and Topps are the official trading card partners of the NBA. Topps was one of the first companies to produce NBA trading cards in 1957. Upper Deck became a partner in 1991. While they were originally created to sell gum, basketball trading cards became a way for children to play games and learn about their favorite players. Both children and adults can collect trading cards today with various products from Topps and Upper Deck that are made for beginners to experienced collectors.

Fans can purchase this year’s trading card releases at the NBA Store including Topps Basketball, Bowman's Draft Picks and Stars, Fleer Basketball and Upper Deck Hot Prospects.

The NBA Store is located on the corner of 5th Avenue and 52nd Street in New York City. Store hours: M-Sat 10am- 8pm, Sun 11am-7pm. For more information, visit nba.com/nycstore.