Panini America has signed a trading card agreement with CMG Worldwide, giving it the right to utilize the names and images of a group of deceased baseball legends whose licensing rights belong to the agency. The deal, effective immediately, gives Panini America rights to incorporate cards featuring Shoeless Joe Jackson, Jim Thorpe, Jackie Robinson, Jimmie Foxx, Johnny Mize, … [Read more...]
Massive Fake Autograph Scheme Lands Missouri Man in Jail
A Jasper County, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to a scheme to defraud more than 1,200 victims by selling fake autographs through eBay as well as illegally possessing a firearm when he was arrested after a police chase. David Bruce Shryock, 49, of Jasper County, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr to wire fraud and to being a felon in … [Read more...]
Panini America Will Produce Baseball Cards
Your store shelves and eBay listings are about to get a little more crowded again. Panini America and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) have announced a multi-year trading card agreement. The deal makes Panini the only trading card company in the world with licenses in all four of the U.S. major sports. The company has not been granted an MLB license … [Read more...]
Kyrie Irving Signs With Panini America
Panini America has signed an exclusive agreement with Kyrie Irving, the No. 1 overall pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Thursday night's 2011 NBA Draft. Despite having his first and only season at Duke cut short by a toe injury, the athletic point guard proved quite prolific in the 11 games he did play, averaging 17.5 points, 4.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game while … [Read more...]
Court Case Offers Insight into Players’ Card Co. Autograph Deals
The amount of endorsement money paid to athletes who compete in the United States but live overseas is under constant scrutiny by the Internal Revenue Service. Those payouts include income from trading card deals and a recent decision by the U.S. Tax Court could have implications for foreign players in every sport. Pro golfer Retief Goosen challenged the IRS' method for … [Read more...]
2011 Topps Gridiron Legends Preview
While America waits for the players and owners to sort out the remaining hurdles and agree on a new agreement that will put pro football back on the field, Topps is pushing full steam ahead with its football card plans. The company has unveiled its latest product, 2011 Topps Gridiron Legends, set for release this coming October. The 8-card, 18-pack boxes will come packed 12 … [Read more...]
Blake Griffin Signs Multi-Year Deal with Panini
Panini America, the NBA's exclusive trading card and sticker partner, has signed Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin to an exclusive multi-year agreement. Griffin joins a growing roster of exclusive athletes that are part of the Panini family, including five-time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder and John Wall, … [Read more...]
Panini Finally Lands Durant as Spokesman
Panini America, the NBA’s exclusive trading card and sticker partner, has signed Kevin Durant as an official company spokesman and "trading card ambassador". Durant’s exclusive multi-year agreement with the company includes autographs and memorabilia, and adds to Panini America’s roster of NBA talent that also includes Kobe Bryant and Rookie of the Year candidate John … [Read more...]
SoCal Businessman Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud
A former card show promoter who operates a chain of sports memorabilia stores in southern California has pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges. William Alsborg admitted he didn't report over $3 million worth of business income from 2003-2005 from sales at his six Sports Treasures outlets and on eBay. According to federal court documents obtained by Sports Collectors … [Read more...]
Topps Signs Bryce Harper to Exclusive Deal
The Topps Company has signed Major League Baseball’s# 1 Draft Pick Bryce Harper to an exclusive agreement. The multi-year deal grants Topps exclusive rights for autographed cards, game-used memorabilia cards and Harper’s image use on packaging and advertising. Topps landed Stephen Strasburg to a similar deal before the 2010 season. “Growing up a huge baseball fan, it … [Read more...]