In spite of a letter sent by the NFLPA’s licensing and marketing arm on Monday indicating it was “terminating” its contract with Panini America and turning those rights over to Fanatics Collectibles, outwardly it seemed to be business as usual. Panini continued to promote upcoming 2023 branded NFL products on its website including Wednesday’s release of … [Read more...] about Panini Still Selling Football as Uncertainty Prevails for Retailers
trading card license
Panini Group Secures Extension of Premier League Soccer License
The license for Premier League soccer cards is staying with Panini. The card maker and the world’s top professional soccer organization have extended their multi-year contract which was granted to Panini in 2019. The move is a win for Panini, which faces the loss of its NBA and NFL licenses to Fanatics in the coming years. Panini has secured trading card deals … [Read more...] about Panini Group Secures Extension of Premier League Soccer License
Panini Snares WWE License in Multi-Year Deal
It’s been a topsy-turvy time for trading card licenses over the last couple of months and now another one is changing hands. Panini Group announced Tuesday morning that it had struck a multi-year, exclusive agreement with WWE for trading cards and stickers beginning in 2022. The move puts an end to Topps’ lengthy run as the WWE card maker. Originally signed in 2005, … [Read more...] about Panini Snares WWE License in Multi-Year Deal
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
Prepare to Pivot: Leaf’s Gray Offers Message to Industry in Wake of New Trading Card Player
After a few days of generally positive vibes, the 2021 Industry Summit came to a close Wednesday with one trading card company chief addressing the elephant in the room. Leaf doesn’t have a major sports trading card license, but in light of the new deals Fanatics has reportedly made to essentially take control of the major contracts, company president Brian Gray is feeling … [Read more...] about Prepare to Pivot: Leaf’s Gray Offers Message to Industry in Wake of New Trading Card Player
Labor Dept. Report: Topps Paid MLBPA Over $20 Million in 2020
Topps paid the Major League Baseball Players Association $20.4 million in licensing fees in 2020. That’s according to the union’s annual report with the U.S. Labor Department. The figure represents a $1,666,108 increase from 2019. The MLBPA receives more money from Topps than any other licensee. The company’s cost of maintaining its MLBPA rights has … [Read more...] about Labor Dept. Report: Topps Paid MLBPA Over $20 Million in 2020
UFC Trading Card License Moving from Topps to Panini America
Panini America has landed a new, multi-year licensing agreement with UFC and will release its first set of trading cards in April. The move ends UFC's relationship with Topps, which had held the contract since 2009. Panini plans to use its popular Prizm brand to kick off the new deal, with a product set to release in April. Panini will also produce 2021 UFC … [Read more...] about UFC Trading Card License Moving from Topps to Panini America
Topps Remains MLBPA’s Top Licensee as Union Stockpiles Cash
Topps paid the MLB Players Association $18,768,721 in licensing fees in 2019. That’s according to the union’s annual report with the U.S. Labor Department. The figure represents a $5.6 million increase from 2018 and more than $7 million more than in 2017. The MLBPA receives more money from Topps than any other licensee. While Topps continues its longstanding … [Read more...] about Topps Remains MLBPA’s Top Licensee as Union Stockpiles Cash
Topps, MLS to Continue Trading Card Deal
Topps and Major League Soccer will be trading card partners for at least a few more years. The two entities announced a “multi-year” extension of their exclusive partnership for both physical and digital cards and collectibles on Thursday. The move came on the day America’s top pro soccer league announced it was putting its 25th anniversary season on hold because of … [Read more...] about Topps, MLS to Continue Trading Card Deal
Topps, WWE Extend Partnership
The Topps Company has reached a multi-year agreement that extends its global partnership with WWE for licensed trading cards. Topps has featured WWE Superstars since 2005. “We’re excited to see how far we can push the WWE license to bring new and exciting products to fans around the world,” said Topps General Manager and Vice President David Leiner. Specific … [Read more...] about Topps, WWE Extend Partnership