Zion Williamson signs exclusive autograph deal with Panini (updated)

Update: Details have been added since this first published and you can find links to 2019-20 releases below.

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The biggest question of the year for NBA collectors has been answered.

Yes, Zion Williamson autographs will be found in packs of Panini America basketball cards, according to Sports Business Journal.

An official statement with more details from the company about its exclusive autograph deal with the NBA's No. 1 overall draft pick out of Duke University should arrive later today.

"We're on the cusp of witnessing one of the most historic NBA Draft classes of all time, and it's no secret that Zion is a driving force behind that fact. He's a transcendent talent and a must-have presence in all of our NBA and collegiate basketball products for this season and beyond," said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop in the prepared announcement. "We're thrilled to partner with Zion and his team to deliver exclusive trading cards and autograph trading cards to fans and collectors that will uniquely chronicle his landmark rookie season and for the start of his NBA career while adding incredible value to our entire product roster."

>>> Click here for all 2019-20 basketball releases 

>>> Click here for First Buzz NBA product preview with Zion's Rookie Cards inside

His first autographs will arrive in 2019 Panini Contenders Draft Picks and then he'll appear in NBA releases that will start in October with NBA Hoops -- and you can see that card in the gallery below. The third card teased to sports business media on Thursday morning is from 2019-20 Certified, which is a product that has not yet been announced.

"The meaningful pact will feature Williamson's only licensed college and NBA trading cards and autograph cards," read the formal announcement. "His first officially licensed NBA autographs will release in October with the arrival of the iconic 2019-20 NBA Hoops Basketball product, as well as Panini's 25 additional NBA trading card products released during the season."

>>> Click here for First Buzz NBA product previews

In the prepared statement, Williamson said he's ready to create some cardboard.

"I'm truly excited to be a member of the Panini family, a company that continues to raise the bar in terms of content and creativity in the trading card arena," Williamson said in the release. "I look forward to working closely with the team there to create basketball cards that my fans and card collectors will want not just throughout my rookie season in the NBA but throughout my entire career."

The announcement coincides with its Panini Instant NBA Rookie Photo Shoot First Look reveal coming later today that it teased on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old was drafted No. 1 by the New Orleans Pelicans after he averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game in 33 starts for the Blue Devils last season -- a year when he was named the National College Player of the Year, a first-team All-American, the ACC Rookie of the Year, the ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Tournament MVP.

Another sign something was coming? The website The Athletic recently posted this image from draft night showing Williamson signing autographs with Panini officials on hand.

Williamson's presence in Panini America's National redemption packs and VIP Party packs last week also was a good sign, though there were no autographs to be found with those releases. Even without link, they are commanding big money out of those promo packs.

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