In announcing its recent move toward once again become a publicly traded company last week, Topps promised to become increasingly active in the digital/NFT world.
It took only a matter of days for it to happen.
Early Monday morning, the company announced the release of 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball NFT (non-fungible token) collectibles in partnership with Major League Baseball and MLB Players, Inc. It’s the first time a Topps baseball set will live on the blockchain.
The company will put some motion graphics and other bells and whistles into its standard 2021 Series 1 Baseball release and offer “packs” for sale online Tuesday, April 20 beginning at 1 PM Eastern time.
Artwork from Series 1, including throwback card templates, anniversary sets and more, will be “digitally enhanced and creatively reimagined as officially licensed Topps MLB NFT collectibles,” according to the company. Topps will use motion graphics, nostalgic card templates and other digital flourishes “that provide deeper engagement,” according to a news release.
Topps will offer 40,000 standard six-card packs at $5 each and 24,090 45-card Premium packs at $100 each. Once packs are sold out, no more will be offered. The majority of in each NFT pack will be considered common but others will be progressively rare, just as in a standard pack of trading cards.
“Our MLB blockchain NFT series debut marks a historic moment in the modern evolution of collecting for both traditional and new collectors,” stated Tobin Lent, Vice President and General Manager of Topps Digital Sports & Entertainment. “We’re excited to bring almost a decade’s worth of digital collectibles innovations to 2021 Topps Series 1 and provide another fun avenue for fans to collect their favorite heroes and moments with secure digital ownership on the blockchain.”
“As collectibles enjoy a breakout moment with NFTs and blockchain technology, we can’t think of a better way to honor the legendary players from years past and look forward to the incredible careers ahead of today’s stars and breakout rookies,” said Evan Kaplan, Managing Director of MLB Players, Inc. “These Topps cards offer a new innovative way for today’s collectors and fans to connect with their favorite stars.”
Topps has been bringing digital collectibles to market since 2012, with the launch of their suite of mobile sports and entertainment digital collectibles apps, including their flagship baseball app, Topps BUNT. With this release, Topps Series 1 joins a rapidly growing collection of officially licensed Topps NFT collectibles on blockchain.
The first 10,000 people who sign up to receive email alerts for Topps Series 1 are eligible to receive a free, exclusive Topps MLB Opening Day NFT Pack. More information about the release and to enroll in the Opening Day NFT Pack air drop event, is available here.
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