Topps will continue making cards for Japan’s top baseball league this year. The company has extended its licensing agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB) after debuting a league-wide product last season. For the first time in its 80-year history, Topps released official trading cards for all 12 NPB teams in 2021, with a regular flagship type … [Read more...] about Topps Renews Licensing Deal to Make NPB Cards in Japan
Business/Industry News
Panini, USA Baseball Extend License for Trading Cards
USA Baseball and Panini America have hammered out a second long-term extension of their exclusive licensing agreement which began in 2012. The deal grants Panini rights to continue producing cards for players on in the program and use USA Baseball trademarks. That includes the annual Collegiate, 18U, and 15U National Teams, and the organization’s national team … [Read more...] about Panini, USA Baseball Extend License for Trading Cards
CSG Now Using Revamped Labels, Makes Grading Adjustments
Just over a year after launching its sports card grading service, Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG) is rolling out a new look label. The company says it is doing away with the original green and white label after hearing from customers who preferred a different look. The company says it spent months on research and development and market studies. The new label combines … [Read more...] about CSG Now Using Revamped Labels, Makes Grading Adjustments
Mint Collective a Different Kind of Show
There was plenty to buy and dozens of sellers doing it, but the Mint Collective was also part industry trade conference, marketing event and social gathering. The inaugural event at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas offered two days of panel discussions conducted side-by-side with a "marketplace" where collectors could browse, submit cards for grading, talk shop or learn about … [Read more...] about Mint Collective a Different Kind of Show
Bryce Harper in Exclusive Autograph, Game-Used Deal with Fanatics
Bryce Harper already had an endorsement deal with Topps. Now, the company’s new owners have locked him up for memorabilia signings and game-used equipment, too. Fanatics announced a multi-year partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies superstar on Thursday that will create new autographed items via regular signing sessions. He joins the company’s roster of … [Read more...] about Bryce Harper in Exclusive Autograph, Game-Used Deal with Fanatics
LOTG Auction Thick with Vintage Cards, Autographs
Hundreds of vintage baseball cards, original photography, vintage ticket stubs and display pieces are among the highlights in Love of the Game Auctions’ Spring Premier, which is open for bidding. The auction catalog’s cover features the Graig Kreindler painting of Roberto Clemente that’s being sold to benefit UnidosUS, the largest Latino civil rights organization in the … [Read more...] about LOTG Auction Thick with Vintage Cards, Autographs
National Postal Museum’s Baseball Exhibit Set to Open
Looking for some baseball related stuff to do this summer? There's a new exhibit in Washington D.C. that might be worth a stop. “Baseball: America’s Home Run” is set to open April 9 at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. The exhibit explores baseball through stamps and mail. According to the museum, it will "explore exciting and memorable stories about how … [Read more...] about National Postal Museum’s Baseball Exhibit Set to Open
TCGplayer Opening Marketplace to Sports Cards This Summer
Sellers connected to online ecommerce platform TCGplayer will soon be able to sell sports cards in what’s traditionally been a gaming-oriented space. The company will be inviting sellers to list their sports cards on its marketplace beginning this summer. In exchange for a transaction fee that generally ranges from 8.95% to 10.25%, TCGplayer enables stores as well as … [Read more...] about TCGplayer Opening Marketplace to Sports Cards This Summer
Hit Seekers Opens Doors to Cincinnati Area Shop
A big crowd turned out Saturday for the opening of a sports card shop just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Hit Seekers, which has been breaking online for about two years, held its grand opening in Fort Mitchell, KY. View this post on … [Read more...] about Hit Seekers Opens Doors to Cincinnati Area Shop
Chris Carlin Leaving Upper Deck for Collectors
Chris Carlin, one of the longest tenured employees at any of the major trading card manufacturers, is leaving Upper Deck for a new job in the hobby. He's taking on a new role with Collectors, parent company of PSA. Carlin, who has been with Upper Deck for 24 years, has largely been the face of that company during his tenure. Originally hired 24 years ago, he had been serving … [Read more...] about Chris Carlin Leaving Upper Deck for Collectors