Fanatics has asked for a change of venue as it addresses the recent antitrust case filed against it by Panini America. Attorneys say they’d like the case transferred from Florida to the Southern District of New York. “It brings this antitrust case against New York-based Fanatics Collectibles to complain about Fanatics Collectibles’ licenses with New York-based … [Read more...] about Notes: Fanatics Requests Change of Venue; Bama Gets Bowman U Set; ’23 Bowman Chrome; Bazooka Sold; ’67 Cello Rip with Mantle
Michael Eisner
Notes: Gretzky Final Game Jersey Brings Big Price; Lelands, Fanatics Auctions; Eisner Selling Bazooka
The jersey Wayne Gretzky was wearing when he scored the final point of his NHL career sold for $715,120 Sunday night. It's the one he wore while scoring his 2,857th and final NHL point while playing for the New York Rangers on April 18, 1999. Grezky kept his final game jersey, which is on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The jersey sold at auction … [Read more...] about Notes: Gretzky Final Game Jersey Brings Big Price; Lelands, Fanatics Auctions; Eisner Selling Bazooka
Notes: Lawlar Superfractor Pulled; The Company Formerly Known as Topps; Cards’ Winter Warmup Axed; Big Puck Auction
One of the top cards from 2021 Bowman Draft emerged from a pack Wednesday night. The 1/1 Superfractor autograph of Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Jordan Lawlar was pulled in a break by Live Breaks. Currently listed as the number 3 overall prospect by MLB.com, Lawlar is a 19-year-old shortstop out of Dallas who was drafted sixth overall. When you sell the name … [Read more...] about Notes: Lawlar Superfractor Pulled; The Company Formerly Known as Topps; Cards’ Winter Warmup Axed; Big Puck Auction
Report: Topps’ Eisner Talked Sale Last Winter, Dismissed Questions About Licenses
Topps was hoping for a buyer to emerge last winter, essentially taking bids from interested parties as interest in its products soared. That's according to a story in the New York Post. Quoting unnamed “insiders”, the Post also says Chairman Michael Eisner dismissed concerns about potential challengers for the company’s MLB trading card license. “He was … [Read more...] about Report: Topps’ Eisner Talked Sale Last Winter, Dismissed Questions About Licenses
English Soccer Team’s Exec Leaving to Oversee Topps’ Business Outside N.A., Japan
Topps has hired the CEO of an English pro soccer club to manage its International Sports and Entertainment division, but he’s no stranger to the company. Mark Catlin has served as CEO of Portsmouth FC for the past eight years and under Topps Chairman Michael D. Eisner's ownership of the club for the past four years. He’ll be responsible for Topps’ … [Read more...] about English Soccer Team’s Exec Leaving to Oversee Topps’ Business Outside N.A., Japan
Topps and the Stock Market – A Closer Look at the Deal
One of the most iconic names in sports cards is returning to the ranks of the publicly traded. Again. Earlier this week, Topps struck a deal with Mudrick Capital (most recently of “meme stock fame”) that will result in the listing of Topps shares on the Nasdaq exchange. It’s a path the Company has trod before. Topps: What’s Old is New Founded in 1938, and incorporated … [Read more...] about Topps and the Stock Market – A Closer Look at the Deal
Editor’s Blog: Topps Breaks Down Finances; Looks to Future
When Topps announced its decision to combine forces with an acquisition company on Tuesday, the company offered some interesting details on its finances and future plans. In touting the initiatives that led to its current valuation, Topps revealed it make a $92 million profit in 2020—a strange and unexpected time in which the sports card market exploded in the midst of a … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Topps Breaks Down Finances; Looks to Future
Eisner Takes Topps Public in $1.3 Billion Deal
Topps is going to be a public company once again. The iconic trading card and candy maker announced early Tuesday that it had entered into a deal for with Mudrick Capital Acquisition that’s expected to close in late second or early third quarter. The deal values Topps at $1.3 billion. Topps had been publicly owned until 2007 when Madison Dearborn Partners and … [Read more...] about Eisner Takes Topps Public in $1.3 Billion Deal
Topps Makes Michael Brandstaedter CEO
Topps has promoted Michael Brandstaedter to Chief Executive Officer. According to the company, Brandstaedter "will retain the title of President and focus on advancing the evolution of Topps' consumer products portfolio." Brandstaedter joined the company in 2009 as General Manager of the Global Confectionery business. He most recently served as Topps' President and COO … [Read more...] about Topps Makes Michael Brandstaedter CEO
Friss Leaves Topps for New Gig
Warren Friss, Vice President and General Manager of Sports & Entertainment of The Topps Company, has joined Apple Industries, Inc. as company president. Apple Industries provides digital photo and print solutions for retail environments, selling in over 40 countries. Apple’s products, which can be found in Fortune 500 retail stores, movie chains, … [Read more...] about Friss Leaves Topps for New Gig