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Darren Rovell brings you his unique take on the business of sports: a multi-billion dollar global industry and obsession full of personalities and products. On Sports Biz, Darren will give you his up-to-date take on everything from salaries to endorsement deals to marketing and promotions, trades and tirades – in short, everything that makes sports so exciting.

Bryant Leaves Upper Deck, Signs with Panini

Published: Tuesday, 29 Sep 2009 | 9:26 AM ET

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By: Darren Rovell
Sports Business Reporter

Kobe Bryant autographed card
Source: Panini
Kobe Bryant autographed card
There's little doubt that Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is the hottest marketing commodity in the NBA. Just look at jersey sales as a metric - his No. 24 is the top NBA jersey across the world.

That's one of the reasons why Panini, the trading card company that surprised the collecting world by scoring the exclusive deal with the NBA in January, signed the four-time world champion and reigning NBA Finals MVP to a multi-year deal.

Bryant, who for most of his career had an autograph and memorabilia deal with Upper Deck, will now be Panini's global trading card ambassador and will only sign memorabilia for the company whose parent is based in Italy.

Bryant's first Panini autographs will be available in the company's Prestige Basketball, which will hit shelves next week. Bryant will also be featured on future box packaging and in radio and television ads.

Bryant has a special connection to the company, thanks to the fact that he spent some of his childhood living in Italy, where Panini product was more prevalent in its home market than it was here in the United States. Bryant also speaks the language.

Since scoring the NBA license, Panini has set up operations in the US and quickly forged into the market thanks to the acquisition of Donruss in March.

Kobe Bryant autographed card
Source: Panini
Kobe Bryant autographed card