UPPER DECK AND SKYBOX, CARD COMPANIES GOING GLOBAL

     After several years of "dabbling in foreign markets, two of
the major cardmakers have decided to make a big push."  Upper
Deck unveiled the first Japanese-language NBA trading cards at
the Blazers-Clippers Friday night in Yokohama.  Fans attending
either the Friday or Saturday game at Yokohama Arena received a
3-pack of "Collector's Choice" cards, with the promise of a full
210-card series available at retail stores in late December.
Meanwhile, Skybox and the NBA will announce the licensing in
Australia and New Zealand of all NBA trading cards produced by
Skybox.  Plans are being made for the release of SkyBox Premium
cards through distributors in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and New
Zealand.  Upper Deck basketball will also be available in
Australia, marking the first time that two U.S. cardmakers will
go "head-to-head" on other continents.  Upper Deck is also
planning to produce NBA cards in German, French, Spanish and
Italian for distribution in European markets, Mexico and Canada
(Norm Cohen, N.Y. NEWSDAY, 11/5).