The Universal Basketball League (UBL) Playing Cards bring the energy of basketball and the excitement of manga together in a dynamic, collectible deck. Inspired by the UBL manga series, which has been making waves in Hong Kong and online, this deck is a tribute to the fast-paced world of basketball, legendary NBA inspirations, and shōnen storytelling.
Created by mangaka Beavis Yu, known for his work on Digimon Adventure, each card is meticulously illustrated to capture the spirit of the game and its characters.
These playing cards are produced in collaboration with Room One Cards. Every card tells a part of UBL’s story, centered around T-Bone, a former MVP of the league who returns after a career-halting injury, struggling to reclaim his place alongside rising star Brian and the rest of Team Buffalo.
As the team faces new rivals like Team Hotwater, the deck’s illustrations showcase the challenges, rivalries, and intense emotions that make UBL a standout manga series.
The UBL Playing Cards are available in two editions:
- Special Edition: Featuring a hot-foiled and embossed tuck box with full-color illustrations of the main characters and their team logos, set against a stylized basketball court. This edition includes 54 fully customized playing cards, each designed to highlight the high-energy moments of UBL. It also features a unique animated flip-book effect on the card backs, bringing the game to life as you shuffle.
- Standard Edition: Showcasing a monochrome manga-style tuck box with striking black-and-white artwork of the main characters and team logos. The playing cards feature dynamic manga panels that capture iconic UBL moments, alongside custom pips inspired by sports jerseys.
From the court cards, which spotlight key players like T-Bone, Brian, and Finn, to the number cards, designed with bold manga-inspired visuals, every element in this deck reflects the world of UBL. Whether you're a collector, basketball fan, or manga enthusiast, these playing cards offer a one-of-a-kind blend of art, sport, and storytelling.
This release coincides with the upcoming "Phantom of the Game" story arc in early 2025, marking the next big chapter in UBL’s journey. In addition to the playing cards, add-on purchases include plushies and a special edition "I’m Back" UBL basketball in black and white.
Pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.