Kevin Durant Teams Up With Kobe Bryant

Joining Kobe Bryant and John Wall, the NBA’s reigning scoring champion, Kevin Durant, has signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with trading card and sticker company, Panini America.

According to the company’s press release:

It is an exclusive multi-year agreement for trading cards and memorabilia, meaning Kevin’s autograph and memorabilia (game worn, etc.) will only be found in Panini products. Durant, along with Bryant and Wall will be included in the launch of Panini Authentic – a new line of business for Panini America.

Durant will debut as a member of the Panini America team during the company’s upcoming product release – Absolute Memorabilia, which is expected to be released at the beginning of March in retail/hobby shops nationwide.

In addition to adding Durant, Panini America is also in negotiations with several high-profile NBA players, some of whom are expected to be announced as exclusive members during the debut of Panini Authentic.

According to the company’s press release,

NBA All Star activation – Panini’s focus at NBA All Star will be to support the launch of 2010-11 NBA Adrenalyn (interactive trading card game launched last year and expanded into NFL and NHL earlier this year) as well as the introduction of the first NBA Sticker Collection in the U.S. market. The launch of the 2010-11 NBA Sticker Collection will mean that Panini has introduced its traditional business into all U.S. Licensors in the last four months (NFL, NHL and NBA).

To support the launch Panini is supporting the effort with sampling at events around NBA All Star, player appearances at JAM Session and at retailers in the LA market during All Star Weekend:

Staples Center NBA Jam Session

Minnesota Timberwolves Rookie Wesley Johnson (Saturday, Feb. 19 at Panini Booth 1:00PM-3:00PM)
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (Saturday, Feb. 19 at Panini Booth 10AM-12PM)

Panini will stage two events at two Walmart Stores in Los Angeles during NBA All-Star Weekend