Wayne Gretzky Upper Deck Legacy Partner: Master Collection Returns

Wayne Gretzky is now an Upper Deck Legacy Partner, the second athlete to get that title after Michael Jordan, and Upper Deck is bringing back its ultra-limited Master Collection to mark it. The deal was announced on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, in Toronto, as reported by Collectibles On SI, and it keeps premium signed Gretzky cards and memorabilia with Upper Deck.

Key points

• Gretzky joins Michael Jordan as Upper Deck's only other Legacy Partner.
• Upper Deck holds exclusive rights to premium autographed Gretzky cards and memorabilia, per reports.
• The Upper Deck Master Collection – Wayne Gretzky returns for the first time in 25 years, limited to 250 numbered boxes.
• Three boxes are signed and inscribed by Gretzky: #1, #4 and #9 of 250.
• The Hockey Hall of Fame renamed its resource centre for Walter Gretzky, with a small exhibit open through Nov. 22.

What is an Upper Deck Legacy Partner?

Upper Deck has not published a formal definition, but the reports describe it as a top-tier, long-term deal. Sports Collectors Digest says it gives Upper Deck exclusive rights to make premium autographed Gretzky collectibles, including trading cards and memorabilia. Gretzky has worked with Upper Deck for decades, going back to his first signing deal with founder Richard McWilliams in 1989, according to Mantel via Yahoo Sports.

In Upper Deck's announcement, Gretzky called the company "like a second family to me."

What is in the Gretzky Master Collection?

The Upper Deck Master Collection – Wayne Gretzky is a high-end boxed set numbered to just 250. Mantel reports the set was built in 2014 and 2015 and kept in Upper Deck's vault until now. Based on the reports, each box includes:

• Rare Gretzky autograph cards, including inscription cards
• Dual, triple and quad autograph cards
• Memorabilia cards
• Relic booklets that pair Gretzky with legends from other sports

The checklist follows his career through the World Junior Championship, his NHL awards, his Hockey Hall of Fame induction and the league-wide retirement of No. 99.

Which Master Collection boxes did Gretzky sign?

Three of the 250 boxes carry a Gretzky signature and inscription tied to the box number:

• Box #1/250: inscribed "2,857 PTS Number 1"
• Box #4/250: inscribed "4 Stanley Cups"
• Box #9/250: inscribed "9 Hart Trophies"

Where can you buy it, and when?

All three reports say the Master Collection is sold only on Upper Deck's own online store. None of the reports we read listed a price or a firm on-sale date, so check Upper Deck's official channels for those details. We'll add new hockey release dates to our sports card release calendar as they are confirmed.

Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) is also releasing a five-print Gretzky collection with photos that have not been used before. Mantel reports it includes the first UDA memorabilia piece featuring his WHA team, the Indianapolis Racers.

What is happening at the Hockey Hall of Fame?

As part of the deal, the Hockey Hall of Fame's resource centre is now the Walter Gretzky Upper Deck Hockey Resource Centre, named for Wayne's late father. A free mini-exhibit in the Hall's foyer in Toronto runs through Nov. 22 and includes a one-of-one UDA piece Wayne signed and donated in his father's honor, per SCD.

FAQ

Who are Upper Deck's Legacy Partners?

Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky was named the second Legacy Partner on Nov. 6, 2026.

How many Gretzky Master Collection boxes are there?

250 numbered boxes, and three of them (#1, #4 and #9) are signed and inscribed by Gretzky.

Can I still find Gretzky autographs from other years?

Yes. Signed Gretzky cards from past Upper Deck sets show up on the secondary market. Browse our hockey memorabilia and shop by player pages.

Sources: Collectibles On SI; Sports Collectors Digest; Mantel via Yahoo Sports.