The relaunch of the Starting Lineup brand will start with NBA figures and Panini America providing the cards that will be included in each package.
In April, Hasbro, Inc., in partnership with Fanatics, announced they were bringing the sports action figure product back to the market. Now, Panini has jumped on board.
The companies’ first release will feature “legendary NBA superstars” according to a news release. They’ll be available for pre-order starting September 22 through Hasbro and the Fanatics network of websites.
The 1980s/90s Starting Lineup figures also included cards but were quite rudimentary, but Fanatics is promising the new iteration will carry a “design like never before in a highly articulated 6” scale.” Hasbro teased the figures in a video Wednesday but hasn’t revealed any preview images.
Hasbro is also working with OneTeam Partners, a Washington, D.C.-based firm, on the athlete and creative marketing campaign.
“We look forward to the relaunch of Starting Lineup in the coming months as we meet the excitement of our fans and additionally introduce a new generation to these collectibles,” said Brian Keegan, Head of Trading Cards, Memorabilia and Hardgoods at the NBA. “Through our partnership with Hasbro, these figures provide our fans a unique opportunity to build upon their connection to our game and their favorite players.”
Originally launched in 1988, the Starting Lineup brand developed a strong following by offering figures of thousands of players from several sports. The program lasted 14 years and while the initial wave of popularity eventually died off, Starting Lineups have maintained some collector interest.
When the original announcement was made in April, Hasbro and Fanatics indicated they’d eventually be marketing new Starting Lineup figures for both current and former athletes.
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