PSA Announces Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Autograph Series Signing

PSA is giving basketball collectors an opportunity to have cards, magazines, photographs and other memorabilia signed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar without attending an in-person convention or signing event.

The six-time MVP and six-time NBA champion is the latest athlete to join the PSA Autograph Series. Collectors can send eligible items directly to PSA, where Abdul-Jabbar will sign them In-the-Presence of PSA before the collectibles are authenticated, encapsulated and returned to their owners. All submissions must arrive at PSA by November 3.

For card collectors, the signing covers everything from Abdul-Jabbar’s early cards as Lew Alcindor to releases from later in his career. PSA specifically highlights his 1969 Topps #25 rookie card and his appearance in the landmark 1986 Fleer basketball set as two of the notable collectibles that could be submitted.

Pricing varies considerably depending on the item. Standard trading cards submitted through PSA’s Dual Service cost $299, which includes autograph and item authentication with grading options. The 1969 Topps #25 rookie has its own $2,499 Dual Service price, while 1972 Icee Bear and 1986 Fleer items cost $599. Magazine and jumbo-item Dual Service submissions are each priced at $299. Collectors can also add one of two inscriptions, “Kareem” or “HOF 95,” for an additional $100 through the Dual Service option.

PSA is offering a less expensive Blue Label option for collectors who want autograph authentication without authentication and grading of the underlying item. Trading card encapsulation costs $180 for autograph authentication only or $195 with an autograph grade. Jumbo items, including flat photographs and documents measuring up to 8.5 by 11 inches, cost $190 for authentication only or $205 with autograph grading.

The $100 inscription option is available for Blue Label submissions as well. In addition to “Kareem” and “HOF 95,” Blue Label customers have access to the inscriptions “6x MVP” and “6x NBA Champ.”

There are some important restrictions. PSA says previously encapsulated and graded items cannot be submitted for the Autograph Series signing, and only collectibles directly related to Abdul-Jabbar will be accepted. Packages should contain only items intended for this signing and must have “KAJ” written on the outside of the box.

The signing gives collectors a chance to add an authenticated Abdul-Jabbar autograph to some of the most recognizable basketball cards of his career while having the entire process handled through PSA.