Leaf Trading Cards is making waves in the trading card industry with its announcement of the acquisition and relaunch of the iconic Press Pass brand. Press Pass, known for its innovative memorabilia cards, shut down in 2015, leaving collectors longing for its unique offerings. Now, Leaf Trading Cards plans to bring back the beloved brand with a modern twist.
Heading this exciting venture is Kevin O’Neil, the current CEO of Leaf and a former Director of Sales at Press Pass. With his experience at both companies, O’Neil has a unique perspective on the industry and understands the importance of preserving the Press Pass legacy. Under his guidance, Leaf will release standalone Press Pass-branded products that will introduce a new generation of collectors to the brand’s tradition of excellence.
Press Pass made a name for itself by pioneering the use of authentic memorabilia in trading cards. One of its most notable releases was the 1996 NASCAR set, which featured race-used tires embedded in the cards. This groundbreaking move set a precedent for incorporating real-life sports artifacts into collectible cards. Press Pass continued to push boundaries with the introduction of race-used sheet metal cards and the first-ever game-used jersey basketball cards in a draft product that highlighted future NBA stars like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.
Leaf Trading Cards recognizes the significance of Press Pass’ contributions to the trading card industry and aims to honor that legacy while also introducing fresh and innovative products to the market. The relaunch of the brand will begin with a football trading card box featuring JuJu Lewis, a highly-touted junior quarterback committed to USC for the class of 2025. This release showcases Leaf’s commitment to spotlighting emerging talent in sports and sets the stage for future collections that will capture the excitement of both new and established athletes.
The acquisition and relaunch of Press Pass by Leaf Trading Cards mark a strategic expansion of Leaf’s product offerings. While Leaf is already well-regarded in the trading card industry, the addition of Press Pass allows them to tap into a loyal fanbase eager to revisit the brand’s iconic designs and innovative features. Leaf intends to merge nostalgia with contemporary sports memorabilia, creating a unique experience for collectors young and old.
As Leaf Trading Cards brings back the Press Pass brand, both companies are poised to make a significant impact on the trading card market. The combination of Leaf’s commitment to quality and innovation with the rich history and unique offerings of Press Pass promises to captivate collectors worldwide. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Press Pass or a newcomer to the trading card scene, the relaunch of this iconic brand is sure to excite and inspire. Get ready to add these new Press Pass trading cards to your collection and experience the thrill of owning a piece of sports history.
