Hours after the Cubs had won their first World Series since 1908, Topps announced the signing of Kris Bryant to what it calls “the largest and most significant exclusive card deal in the company’s baseball history.” The multi-year deal will guarantee that Bryant’s autographed trading cards will only be found in future Topps and B
owman products starting with 2017 Topps Baseball Series 1, where his face will adorn the packaging.
Bryant will also be featured as the new cover athlete for Topps BUNT, the officially licensed MLB Trading Card App.
The deal is worth seven figures according to ESPN.
The autograph agreement covers only baseball cards, where Topps has no MLB-licensed competitors. Last year, Bryant signed an exclusive autograph deal for other products with Fanatics.
“We are beyond excited to secure this exclusive deal with Kris Bryant.” said David Leiner, VP and General Manager of North American Sports & Entertainment for Topps. “Never has The Topps Company executed such a long-term deal with any athlete. Kris is one of the elite players currently in Major League Baseball and we look forward to working with him as his career continues to flourish.”
“Topps is the premier trading card company and I am honored to be working with them.” said 2015 NL Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with a company such as Topps.”
Recognized as a future star while he was still a high school player, Bryant made his long awaited MLB debut on April 17, 2015, becoming a NL All-Star in each of his first two seasons. The 2016 NL MVP candidate compiled a .293 batting average with 39 homeruns and 101 RBI this season while leading the National League in runs scored with 120.
Bryant’s first autographed baseball cards for Topps are on the popular Bowman Chrome issues, produced prior to his big league arrival. He signed thousands of cards prior to arriving in the major leagues. You can learn more about those and see the current ‘most watched’ Bryant baseball cards on eBay here.
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