Panini America Readies First D-Wade Autos in Company History for 2012-13 Elite
In the more than three years since Panini America secured the exclusive license to produce NBA trading cards, the company has delivered true history-making products, unparalleled innovation and some of the greatest single cards of the modern era. The one thing Panini America has never delivered, however, is a certified autograph of Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade.
But that glaring omission is about to become history, too. The upcoming release of 2012-13 Elite Basketball, which begins packing out Friday and will be live February 20, includes the company’s first Wade autographs (49 to be exact) in the Turn of the Century insert, and the first NBA-licensed Wade signatures of any kind since the 2009-10 season. The blockbuster product development is welcome news for ink-starved Wade enthusiasts and should add even more luster to an already anticipated Elite release.
“Dwyane Wade is one of the most popular and collected NBA stars of all time and we’re absolutely ecstatic to finally be able to deliver new autographs to his fans and collectors,” said Keith Hower, Panini America’s NBA Brand Manager. “I think it’s safe to say that we’re every bit as excited about his addition as our collectors are.”
Panini America has plans to incorporate a limited number of additional autographs from the 2006 NBA Finals MVP across its remaining 2012-13 NBA products, including Gold Standard, Momentum and Brilliance.
Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for additional updates.
The Knight's Lance 
I’m hoping this will still also be in retail
Wow! Very excited on the new addition to team Panini! A sure future hall of famer first ballot! Two time Olympic gold medalist!
Finals MVP!
2 time NBA champion and counting!
The reason why Lebron took his talent to south Beach!
Congratulations Panini!
We the collectors are absolutely excited about this!
Mr Excitement Dwayne Wade!
Congrats Again Tracy and Keith for getting him. Thanks for really looking out for us the collectors!
Well, I think we know the card everyone will be chasing from this release.
Brilliance? Care to elaborate on when we’ll hear more about this set?
Nice! I love the variety of players that you guys are able to get to sign. Just about everyone in the NBA minus the few that contractually cant cause they are with other companies.
When will the Elite QC Gallery be posted???
Packout starts Friday, so likely early next week.
Great additon! Just need Jordan, Lebron, Dwight, Duncan and the Mailman and you guys have every important NBA star and legend. Wade Bosh dual auto please?
Very nice addition to the stable of NBA stars already signing for Panini, excellent looking first card as well. Thanks Tracy!
Truly excited about the long awaited release of Elite! Some of the best cards every year come from Elite! I loved what u did to Elite football so im sure that there will be no disapointments! Tracy can u tell me if you guys also did Passing The Torch again this year
glad to see another big name back in the pack chase!! is he signed to panini exclusive now?
Awesome!
Why such a limited supply of D-Wade autos?
The two “Cs” come to mind: Cost and collectibility. Must watch one and protect the other.
HMM let me guess, these will be redemption’s too?
No, sir. These will be live in Elite.
This is a historic moment for Panini Basketball! I’ve always wondered when you guys were adding DWade to the already star studded lineup you have. Congrats! Thanks for this awesome news Tracy!
Any change he signs for National Treasures products too ?
It’s not in the plans at this point.
Wow great to see a Dwade signature, also great to see Elite!!
about time.