Leaf Trading Cards has made its mark on the trading card industry by acquiring the renowned Press Pass brand. Press Pass, a pioneer in the memorabilia card segment, closed its doors in 2015 after a successful run that included iconic NASCAR sets and NFL Draft products. With the acquisition, Leaf Trading Cards aims to breathe new life into the brand and introduce fresh and innovative collections to the market.
Under the leadership of Kevin O’Neil, CEO of Leaf and former Director of Sales at Press Pass, the revival of the Press Pass brand promises to combine the best of both worlds – honoring its rich history while embracing modernity. O’Neil, who brings a unique perspective to the venture, having been part of Press Pass during its influential years, plans to release standalone Press Pass-branded products that will resonate with collectors and fans of the brand.
One of the first products to hit the shelves under the revamped Press Pass brand will feature JuJu Lewis, a highly regarded high school junior quarterback committed to the University of Southern California (USC) for the class of 2025. The trading card set will showcase Leaf Trading Cards’ commitment to highlighting emerging talent in the world of sports and providing collectors with unique cards featuring promising young athletes.
Press Pass is widely recognized for its groundbreaking approach to memorabilia cards. The brand made waves in 1996 with its NASCAR release, which featured cards with race-used tires, revolutionizing the trading card industry. This innovative spirit continued with the introduction of cards made from race-used sheet metal and the inclusion of 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 mark a strategic expansion of Leaf’s product offerings. By bringing back the beloved brand, Leaf 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.
Leaf Trading Cards’ decision to acquire and rejuvenate the Press Pass brand signifies its commitment to merging nostalgia with contemporary sports memorabilia. With its fresh lineup of Press Pass products, Leaf Trading Cards aims to captivate collectors and fans alike and provide them with high-quality trading cards that pay homage to the brand’s storied past.
As Leaf Trading Cards embarks on this exciting new chapter, the industry eagerly awaits the debut of the Press Pass-branded products. The revival of the iconic brand is set to make waves in the trading card market, attracting collectors with its blend of tradition and innovation. Leaf Trading Cards’ acquisition of the Press Pass brand and its plan to release new collections featuring rising stars like JuJu Lewis showcase its dedication to shaping the future of the industry while honoring its legendary past.
