Upper Deck can be compared to the Elton John song, “I’m Still Standing.” MLB, the NFL and NBA and their players unions struck card and memorabilia deals with Fanatics in August, leaving Topps and Panini in the lurch. But Upper Deck maintained its hold on the NHL when it agreed to a long-term extension with the league and the NHLPA to keep its exclusive agreement. That … [Read more...] about Upper Deck: NHL License Extension Offers ‘Clarity’ for Company, Collectors
Fanatics Trading Cards
NHL, NHLPA Extend Exclusive Hockey Card License with Upper Deck
The MLB, NFL and NBA trading card space is in upheaval but the NHL license isn’t going anywhere. The National Hockey League and the NHLPA announced a long-term extension of their exclusive deals with The Upper Deck Company. The agreement also includes NFTs. “Upper Deck continues to be a staple for hockey enthusiasts with proven track-record of offering a broad range of … [Read more...] about NHL, NHLPA Extend Exclusive Hockey Card License with Upper Deck
Notes: Unions on Fanatics Deal; Pepitone Drops Suit; Herbert Jersey Auction; Ripping 1958 Football Packs
The power play that resulted in a takeover of the trading card licenses of Major League Baseball, the NFL and NBA was born in a meeting that took place for years ago in New York. That’s when the men in charge of the MLB and NFL Players Associations met to discuss combining forces for the benefit of athletes in both leagues. The result was an organization called One … [Read more...] about Notes: Unions on Fanatics Deal; Pepitone Drops Suit; Herbert Jersey Auction; Ripping 1958 Football Packs
Rubin: “Absolutely Possible” Fanatics Will Buy Current Card Maker
They’ve gobbled up the next licensing deals to produce baseball, football and basketball cards. Now, Fanatics may have its sights set on buying an existing trading card company. Chairman Michael Rubin addressed his company’s recent blockbuster move for the first time on Thursday morning, confirming to a CNBC audience that Fanatics plans to implement a more direct to consumer … [Read more...] about Rubin: “Absolutely Possible” Fanatics Will Buy Current Card Maker
Fanatics Trading Card Business Gets Funding; Already Valued at $10.4 Billion
Fanatics' move to essentially take over the market for licensed sports trading cards is attracting investors and creating a new company worth significantly more than the current trio of licensees. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that the new entity, called Fanatics Trading Cards, had secured $350 million in Series A funding, pushing the company's value to $10.4 … [Read more...] about Fanatics Trading Card Business Gets Funding; Already Valued at $10.4 Billion
Editor’s Blog: Pondering Fanatics, Leagues “Secondary Market” Plans
There’s much we don’t know about the reported deals between Fanatics and the major sports leagues to corral the bulk of the sports trading card market. I think we can safely assume, though, that what’s going to happen won’t be just a swap of distribution models and a logo change or two. With the leagues and players having reportedly captured a stake of the potential … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Pondering Fanatics, Leagues “Secondary Market” Plans
Sports Law Attorney Sifts Through Fanatics’ Blockbuster Licensing Deals
Now that the dust has settled somewhat after Fanatics’ apparent licensing deals with pro sports leagues and their players' unions, Topps and Panini America find themselves at a crossroads. The MLBPA deal begins in 2023, while MLB’s current agreement with Topps runs through 2025. The NBA and NFL unions’ deals with Panini run through 2025 and 2026, respectively. Topps … [Read more...] about Sports Law Attorney Sifts Through Fanatics’ Blockbuster Licensing Deals
Editor’s Blog: Pause the Panic on Fanatics Sports Card Deal
Fanatics’ acquisition of a large chunk of the sports card landscape will kill collecting! Fanatics’ acquisition of a large chunk of the sports card landscape will be the greatest thing ever to happen to the hobby! Ah, opinions. The product of a free country and a Facebook account. Scour the comments on social media and you’ll find opinions as diverse as the reaction to … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Pause the Panic on Fanatics Sports Card Deal
Report: Fanatics Snares NFLPA Trading Card License in 20-Year Deal
Like Godzilla swooping in on an unsuspecting town, Fanatics is apparently grabbing hold of yet another trading card license--one they'll hold until today's newborns might be parents themselves. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the NFL Players Association has now agreed to a deal with the Florida-based sports giant. The move follows Fanatics' recent reported … [Read more...] about Report: Fanatics Snares NFLPA Trading Card License in 20-Year Deal
Leaf’s Gray Says Card Companies Must Be Allies In Wake of Fanatics Deal
It will be up to the existing sports card companies to be creative, be allies and redefine themselves. That was just one of the themes expressed by one of the hobby's independent trading card makers in the wake of the bombshell news that Fanatics was working on deals to acquire the bulk of the licensed sports card manufacturing business. Leaf Trading Cards CEO Brian Gray, … [Read more...] about Leaf’s Gray Says Card Companies Must Be Allies In Wake of Fanatics Deal