Four months after announcing an extension of its partnership with Major League Baseball, Topps did the same with the league’s players. The MLBPA and Topps will continue their global trading card partnership. A timeframe wasn’t offered but Topps’ new deal with MLB runs through 2025. “Topps has been a great longtime partner of the MLB Players Association,” said Evan … [Read more...]
Topps, MLB Extend Exclusive License Through 2025
A partnership that launched when Mickey Mantle was still an unproven youngster from Commerce, OK will continue for at least seven more years. Major League Baseball and The Topps Company announced what most had expected: an extension of their exclusive global partnership for MLB-licensed trading cards. The new deal will run through 2025. There was no word on … [Read more...]
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...]
Rich Klein: Stadium Club, Topps Tek Make Return As Redemption Issues Drag On
Just a few odds and ends this week while waiting for March Madness to take full effect. By the way, it seems like college basketball has joined the trend of having participation trophies. Not only has the NCAA tournament expanded to 68 teams with the NIT taking those leftovers but now we have two other tournaments for the also also-rans. Good grief, that means over 100 teams … [Read more...]
No Logos, But Donruss Elite Extra Set for Release
Panini America is showing off additional images for its first MLBPA-licensed product in several years. The company's 2011 Donruss Elite Extra line didn't quite make its December 21 release date, but company officials say it will definitely be available next week. Panini has permission to use images of players but isn't licensed by MLB itself so that means a prospect-heavy set … [Read more...]
No NFL License for Upper Deck
National Football League Properties will not grant a license to Upper Deck in 2010. Late Wednesday, the Carlsbad, CA company released a brief statement. Upper Deck CEO and founder Richard McWilliam said, "Over the past year, Upper Deck has attempted to negotiate a new licensing deal with NFL Properties. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were not able to reach … [Read more...]