It took a few days but there’s now an official response from NFLPA Communications regarding the letter it sent to agents indicating it was ending its licensing deal with Panini three years before it was set to expire and moving to Fanatics:
“No comment at this time.”
Meanwhile, Panini continues to sell cards and hold its Dutch-style auctions for football products it has already produced. Exactly how long they’ll be able to do that isn’t known. However, the company appears determined to challenge the move as it continues to fight with Fanatics in court over the latter’s attempt to take over card production well ahead of the expiration of its deals with the NFL and NBA.
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Meanwhile, Fanatics’ motion for a stay in the antitrust suit brought by Panini while a judge considers its request to move the case from FL to NY was denied on Thursday.
The proceedings will continue and Fanatics will likely have to respond to the complaint in Florida before long.
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WNBC-TV in New York recently aired a story about the hobby’s growth, focusing on the business at American Legends, the long running shop in nearby Westchester.
Watch below:
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One late addition to SCP Auctions’ current catalog sale is one of a very limited number of original 1920 photos of Babe Ruth in action during his first season with the New York Yankees.
The horizontal photo, which measures just short of 8×10, was taken at Griffith Stadium in Washington and shows Ruth following through on a swing during a game.
In that first year, Ruth hit a record of 54 home runs, more than any other team hit in the American League that season.
The photo is the only PSA Type 1 of its kind.
Several other Ruth photos are in the auction and the top item in the sale is the only known autographed copy of Ruth’s 1931 W517 baseball card that was sitting at $126,377 as of Thursday afternoon.
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Jerseys worn by the Atlanta Hawks during the NBA’s International Series game in Abu Dhabi last October are among the current listings at NBA Auctions.
Regular season gamers from the Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz are also on the block, with auctions closing on Thursdays.
Related Stories:
Former NFL Card Maker Knows What It’s Like to Lose a License
NFLPA Tells Agents It’s Terminating Contract with Panini, Moving to Fanatics
Early Ruth Yankees Photo with Tigers Up for Auction
Earliest Photo of Babe Ruth Signing Autographs Up for Auction
Family Album Yields 1920 Babe Ruth Photo Now at Auction
Babe Ruth: Baller
Memorabilia, Autograph Show Part of NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
Photo of the Day: Rare 1920 Ruth In Action Image Attracting Interest
