Leaf Trading Cards, a prominent player in the trading card industry, has recently acquired the rights to the iconic Press Pass brand. This acquisition marks a significant milestone and signals Leaf’s intention to revive the Press Pass line with innovative and contemporary trading card collections.
Press Pass, founded in 1992, gained recognition for its pioneering approach to memorabilia cards. Known for its NASCAR sets and NFL Draft products, Press Pass left an indelible mark on the industry with its innovative use of authentic memorabilia incorporated into trading cards. However, the brand ceased its operations in 2015, leaving behind a legacy that many passionate collectors still fondly remember.
Under the leadership of Kevin O’Neil, current CEO of Leaf and former Director of Sales at Press Pass, the revitalization of the Press Pass brand is set to be an exciting endeavor. O’Neil’s familiarity with the brand, coupled with his passion for preserving its heritage, makes him the perfect candidate to lead the relaunch.
The first step in the resurrection of Press Pass is the introduction of a football trading card box that spotlights JuJu Lewis, a highly touted high school quarterback who is committed to playing for USC in 2025. This debut product from Leaf’s revival of Press Pass showcases the brand’s commitment to featuring emerging talent in the world of sports.
Leaf’s plan for the future includes releasing standalone Press Pass-branded products that pay tribute to the brand’s storied history while incorporating modern design elements. By embracing both nostalgia and innovation, Leaf aims to introduce a new generation of collectors to the Press Pass legacy.
The original Press Pass brand was known for its groundbreaking use of memorabilia in trading cards. In 1996, Press Pass released a NASCAR set that featured race-used tires, setting a new standard for authenticity and uniqueness in the industry. This bold move was followed by the introduction of race-used sheet metal cards and the first-ever game-used jersey basketball cards in a draft product that showcased future NBA superstars like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.
The acquisition and relaunch of the Press Pass brand by Leaf Trading Cards not only expands Leaf’s product offerings but also allows collectors and enthusiasts to revisit the brand’s iconic releases. Leaf’s commitment to preserving the Press Pass legacy while pushing the boundaries of innovation in the trading card market is indicative of the company’s dedication to the art of collecting.
In conclusion, Leaf Trading Cards’ acquisition and subsequent revamp of the Press Pass brand is an exciting development in the trading card industry. With a focus on preserving the brand’s heritage and introducing modern collections, Leaf aims to captivate a new generation of collectors while paying homage to the legacy of Press Pass. The introduction of JuJu Lewis as the face of the relaunch signifies Leaf’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent and sets the stage for an exciting future for the Press Pass brand.
