Johannesburg – 31 March 2026:
Lions Cricket is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Sportsnection, marking a bold step into the rapidly expanding global sports collectibles market.
Through this collaboration, Lions Cricket and Sportsnection will develop an official trading card collection designed to engage a new generation of fans while contributing to the growth of cricket’s collector culture. The set will feature both the DP World Lions men’s and women’s teams, including players and head coaches from the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons— positioning it as a groundbreaking initiative within South African cricket.
The South African Cricketers Association (SACA) and their CEO, Andrew Breetzke has fully supported and endorsed the partnership between Lions Cricket and Sportsnection, which is much appreciated as mentioned by Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright when highlighting the significance of the partnership:
“The global sports collectibles market continues to grow across the professional sports landscape, with cricket still emerging compared to other major codes. We understand and acknowledge the deep passion for cricket in South Africa and are confident that fans across the country—and beyond—will embrace this exciting product, whether for trading or as treasured keepsakes. Having SACA behind us every step of the way is extremely powerful and we look forward to making magic and bringing this all to life. Watch this space!”
The DP World Lions trading cards will be launched before the new season, available at the DP World Wanderers Stadium, online via the Lions Cricket website, and through Sportsnection’s digital platforms. Packs will include a variety of trading cards, with collectors also able to purchase boxes containing six packs. The full set is expected to comprise of over 40 individual cards across the two featured seasons.
Edward Gold, Chief Operating Officer at Sportsnection, shared his enthusiasm:
“Sportsnection is equally thrilled to partner with Lions Cricket and the DP World Lions teams to create a premium trading card product for this historic and widely supported Pride of Jozi franchise—and, of course, for the passionate cricket fans of South Africa.”
Based in the United States, Sportsnection has built a strong reputation in the trading card industry, producing premium cricket collectibles, including standard and autographed editions featuring legendary Cricket All-Stars, national teams, and professional leagues.
Lions Cricket is tremendously proud to lead the charge in this first-of-its-kind initiative in South African cricket, treating the fanatical Lions fans to a feast of #ThePrideOfJozi cricket collectibles.