Leaf Trading Cards has made a significant announcement in the trading card industry with its acquisition of the iconic trading card brand, Press Pass. Known for its innovative approach to memorabilia cards, Press Pass left a void in the market when it ceased operations in 2015. However, Leaf Trading Cards is now taking the reins to revitalize the brand and introduce new collections.
Press Pass, founded in 1992, gained recognition for its NASCAR sets and NFL Draft products. It was particularly famous for its groundbreaking use of authentic memorabilia in trading cards. The brand’s 1996 NASCAR release, featuring race-used tires, revolutionized the industry by integrating real-life items into collectible 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 highlighted future NBA stars like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.
With a focus on innovation and tradition, Leaf Trading Cards plans to breathe new life into the Press Pass brand. Spearheading this relaunch is a football trading card box that shines a spotlight on JuJu Lewis, a high school junior and one of the most promising quarterback prospects in the nation. Lewis, who has already committed to playing for USC in the class of 2025, represents Leaf’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent in sports.
This acquisition holds a special significance as Kevin O’Neil, the current CEO of Leaf Trading Cards, is a former Director of Sales at Press Pass. With his deep understanding of the brand and its influential years, O’Neil brings a unique perspective to this venture. Under his leadership, Leaf Trading Cards plans to release standalone Press Pass-branded products that honor the brand’s storied past while also catering to the modern collector.
Leaf Trading Cards’ decision to acquire and relaunch the Press Pass brand represents a strategic expansion of the company’s product offerings. By merging nostalgia with contemporary sports memorabilia, Leaf aims to introduce a new generation of collectors to the iconic Press Pass legacy. This move not only brings back a beloved brand but also demonstrates Leaf Trading Cards’ commitment to ongoing innovation within the trading card market.
The relaunch of Press Pass by Leaf Trading Cards is eagerly awaited by collectors who have long been fans of the brand’s innovative approach to trading cards. With the introduction of new collections and the spotlight on emerging talent like JuJu Lewis, Leaf is poised to create excitement in the industry. By combining the nostalgia of the past with the thrill of modern sports, Leaf Trading Cards is shaping the future of trading card collecting.