Leaf Trading Cards has made a major announcement in the trading card industry with its acquisition and relaunch of the iconic Press Pass brand. Press Pass, a trailblazer in the industry known for its innovative approach to memorabilia cards, ceased operations in 2015 after a successful run since its inception in 1992. The brand gained fame for its NASCAR sets and NFL Draft releases, including the last ones in 2014.
Leaf Trading Cards, known for its commitment to innovation and tradition, is now breathing new life into the Press Pass brand. The relaunch is led by a football trading card box featuring JuJu Lewis, a highly promising high school junior quarterback who has committed to playing for USC in the class of 2025. Leaf Trading Cards aims to spotlight emerging talent in sports through this collaboration.
Kevin O’Neil, the current CEO of Leaf Trading Cards and former Director of Sales at Press Pass, brings a unique perspective to this venture. Having been part of Press Pass during its influential years, O’Neil understands the rich history of the brand and its impact on the trading card industry. Under his leadership, Leaf plans to release standalone Press Pass-branded products that pay homage to its storied past while incorporating modern collections.
Press Pass is widely credited with pioneering the concept of memorabilia cards in the trading card industry. Notably, their 1996 NASCAR release featured cards with race-used tires, setting a new standard for the integration of authentic memorabilia in trading cards. This innovation continued with the introduction of race-used sheet metal cards and the first game-used jersey basketball cards in a draft product that showcased future NBA stars like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.
The acquisition and relaunch of the Press Pass brand by Leaf Trading Cards represent a calculated expansion of its product offerings. By merging nostalgia with contemporary sports memorabilia, Leaf Trading Cards aims to introduce a new generation of collectors to the Press Pass legacy while continuing to push the boundaries of innovation in the trading card market.
With JuJu Lewis as the face of their first football trading card box, Leaf Trading Cards is not only building on the rich history of Press Pass but also highlighting the potential of young athletes. Lewis, a top quarterback prospect committed to USC, represents the future of the sport and embodies the essence of the relaunched Press Pass brand—celebrating rising stars and their journey to greatness.
Fans and collectors can look forward to Leaf Trading Cards’ upcoming Press Pass-branded products, which will combine the nostalgia and excitement of the past with the modern twists and turns of the trading card industry. With the continuation of their commitment to innovation and a fresh focus on emerging talent, Leaf Trading Cards is set to make waves and capture the attention of both new and seasoned collectors alike.
In conclusion, the acquisition and relaunch of the Press Pass brand by Leaf Trading Cards mark a significant moment in the trading card industry. With a blend of innovation, tradition, and a spotlight on emerging talent, Leaf Trading Cards aims to revitalize the beloved Press Pass brand while blazing new trails in the world of sports trading cards.
