Just as it did with the USFL in the 1980s and the XFL back in 2001, Topps is jumping on board with the Alliance of American Football, promising both on-demand and packaged cards for the newest pro football league.
The AAF is set to debut in March, with eight teams spread across the country. A few former NFL and standout college players are signed up but at this point, the biggest names in the league are the coaches. They’ll be getting cards, too.
The first 2019 AAF cards will arrive opening weekend (Feb. 9-10) through Topps NOW.
On March 22, boxes will release in stores, with the product available in hobby shops, online and through retail outlets like Target and Walmart.
The product will include player cards such as Christian Hackenberg, Josh Johnson and Aaron Murray, and coach cards featuring the likes of Steve Spurrier, Mike Singletary and Mike Martz. There will also be autographed cards randomly included in packs.
Boxes will have 24 packs with ten cards per pack. Expect boxes to land somewhere around $55-$65 at retail. Topps has released a basic design for the cards and promised a 200-card set with three autographed cards per box.
S/O to @Topps for the official @TheAAF trading cards !! Go get yours today !! pic.twitter.com/BZcBbhKRq3
— Malachi Jones (@malachijones_7) January 25, 2019
“We’re excited to collaborate with The Alliance of American Football,” said David Leiner, General Manager of Global Sports and Entertainment in a news release. “Topps is a storied company that takes pride in its heritage and innovation. The Alliance is melding high quality football and innovation, making them a perfect partner for Topps.”
The Alliance debuts on February 9 with the first games airing on CBS and CBS Sports Network. Fans can also stream games on the free Alliance app throughout the 10-week season. The championship game will be held April 26-28 in Las Vegas, which will also air on CBS.
Founded by TV and film producer Charlie Ebersol and Hall of Famer Bill Polian, The Alliance will feature eight teams with 52-player rosters playing a 10-week regular season schedule in the spring beginning February 9, followed by two playoff rounds and culminating with the championship game on April 27.
The eight cities, stadiums and head coaches include:
- Orlando Apollos / Spectrum Stadium / Steve Spurrier
- Atlanta Legends / Georgia State Stadium / Kevin Coyle
- Memphis Express / Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium / Mike Singletary
- Salt Lake Stallions / Rice-Eccles Stadium / Dennis Erickson
- Arizona Hotshots / Sun Devil Stadium / Rick Neuheisel
- San Diego Fleet / San Diego County Credit Union Stadium / Mike Martz
- Birmingham Iron / Legion Field Stadium / Tim Lewis
- San Antonio Commanders / Alamodome / Mike Riley
In addition to a few different rules (no kickoffs or PATs and a 30-second play clock among them), the league will offer integrated gaming options for fans with rewards — for themselves and the players on the field.
You can order 2019 Topps Alliance of American Football cards here.
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