Multi-Year Deal Begins with the 2010 NFL Season and the Release of
Topps Football
New York, April 29, 2010 – The Topps Company, a leading creator and marketer of sports cards, today announced a multi-year trading card licensing agreement with the National Football League and NFL PLAYERS (the marketing and licensing arm of the NFLPA). This deal will allow Topps to continue its strong history of offering collectors the industry’s most sought-after football cards.
“We are excited to continue our deep, long standing partnership with the NFL and the NFLPA,” said Ryan O’Hara, CEO of The Topps Company. “Topps will bring innovative, exciting and fun products to the marketplace to serve consumers and customers well.”
“For more than a half century, football fans have been able to connect with the NFL and their favorite players through Topps football cards,” said Leo Kane VP of consumer products at the NFL. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Topps, bringing our fans collectibles for many years to come.”
“Topps has been instrumental in establishing the player-fan connection for more than 50 years,” said Keith Gordon, President of NFL PLAYERS. “We’re excited about the direction Topps is headed and are eager to see new products that will further enable football collectors to connect with our players.”
Topps is set to unveil its first product of the season, Topps Football, just prior to the start of the 2010 NFL season. “This year’s Topps Football will be our best ever as it will be loaded with amazing content and truly deliver NFL rookies and stars,“ said Warren Friss, Topps’ GM of Sports and Entertainment. “It will also include a special Gridiron Giveaway promotion, which will allow collectors to unlock vintage Topps football cards and win various football prizes.”
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Ike Davis is Topps Finest Redemption # 2
Ike Davis is Topps Finest Redemption # 2
Topps announces the player redeemable for the 2010 Topps Finest Baseball Rookie Redemption # 2 is New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis.
Throughout the 2010 Major League Baseball season, Topps will announce the subjects for the 10-card Rookie Redemption set. Each Master Box of Topps Finest includes one Rookie Redemption. In addition, collectors can also find redemptions for Blue Refractors (#'d to 199) and Gold Refractors (#'d to 50) versions.
Stay tuned for Rookie Redemption # 3!
Topps announces the player redeemable for the 2010 Topps Finest Baseball Rookie Redemption # 2 is New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis.
Throughout the 2010 Major League Baseball season, Topps will announce the subjects for the 10-card Rookie Redemption set. Each Master Box of Topps Finest includes one Rookie Redemption. In addition, collectors can also find redemptions for Blue Refractors (#'d to 199) and Gold Refractors (#'d to 50) versions.
Stay tuned for Rookie Redemption # 3!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Upper Deck Releases 2009-10 SP Game Used Hockey Cards
Upper Deck Releases 2009-10 SP Game-Used Hockey!
When it comes to securing top-notch jersey, patch and gear cards,
this lamp-lighting collection represents the NHL's one-stop shop for collectors
Carlsbad, CA (April 14, 2010) - With this season's NHL playoffs set to begin tonight
with four first-round matchups, the Upper Deck Company is proud to announce the
release of its latest NHL-licensed trading card set: 2009-10 SP Game-Used Hockey. A
100-card regular set, SP Game-Used provides all the thrills and chills for hockey
card aficionados looking to get as close to the game as possible with at least one
memorabilia or autographed card in every pack, on average.
"Our SP Game-Used set truly does have something for everyone," said Josh Zusman,
Upper Deck's hockey brand manager. "The signed manufactured patch cards are now an
annual offering, as are last year's debut of the 'Fight Strap' cards. And with two
rookie cards per box, as well as our various autographed cards sprinkled throughout,
collectors really can't go wrong with buying a box."
The hits just keep on coming as Upper Deck's lineup of insert cards leaves no puck
unturned. In addition to the likelihood of landing either a memorabilia or
autographed card in every pack, SP Game-Used Hockey boasts an incredible assortment
of inserts starting with the readily available "Authentic Fabrics." Moving right
along, collectors will seek out "Inked Sweaters" autographed jersey cards (numbered
to 50), featuring the likes of John Tavares, Matt Duchene and Patrick Kane, as well
as "Legends Classic Patches" (numbered to 25), including past hockey standouts like
Bryan Trottier, Butch Goring, Billy Smith and Dale Hawerchuk. And let's not forget
about the red-hot "Letters of Distinction" inserts with varied numbering, which
sport the actual "A's" and "C's" right off of players' game-worn jerseys!
The depth of autographed cards inside the set is especially significant as rookies,
current stars and retired legends abound. The two levels of the "SIGnificance"
offerings (numbered to 50 and numbered to 25) are jam-packed with talent young and
old as names like Jonathan Toews, Steven Stamkos, Steve Yzerman, Brian Leetch and
even Johnny Bucyk jump off the checklist. The dual-signed "Extra SIGnificance"
(numbered to 25) and thrice-signed "Triple SIGnificance" (numbered to 10) cards will
no doubt have collectors screaming with excitement upon cracking lucky packs.
Lastly, the sought-after rookie cards that are available - "Authentic Rookies"
(numbed to 999) and "Authentic Rookies SP" (numbed to 99) - will round out one's
collection very nicely. And the "Rookie Exclusives" autograph cards are all numbered
to 100. With names like Tavares, Duchene and Victor Hedman waiting to be discovered,
excessive crack-packing will be at an all-time high.
The product, currently on store shelves, includes three cards per pack, six packs
per box.
When it comes to securing top-notch jersey, patch and gear cards,
this lamp-lighting collection represents the NHL's one-stop shop for collectors
Carlsbad, CA (April 14, 2010) - With this season's NHL playoffs set to begin tonight
with four first-round matchups, the Upper Deck Company is proud to announce the
release of its latest NHL-licensed trading card set: 2009-10 SP Game-Used Hockey. A
100-card regular set, SP Game-Used provides all the thrills and chills for hockey
card aficionados looking to get as close to the game as possible with at least one
memorabilia or autographed card in every pack, on average.
"Our SP Game-Used set truly does have something for everyone," said Josh Zusman,
Upper Deck's hockey brand manager. "The signed manufactured patch cards are now an
annual offering, as are last year's debut of the 'Fight Strap' cards. And with two
rookie cards per box, as well as our various autographed cards sprinkled throughout,
collectors really can't go wrong with buying a box."
The hits just keep on coming as Upper Deck's lineup of insert cards leaves no puck
unturned. In addition to the likelihood of landing either a memorabilia or
autographed card in every pack, SP Game-Used Hockey boasts an incredible assortment
of inserts starting with the readily available "Authentic Fabrics." Moving right
along, collectors will seek out "Inked Sweaters" autographed jersey cards (numbered
to 50), featuring the likes of John Tavares, Matt Duchene and Patrick Kane, as well
as "Legends Classic Patches" (numbered to 25), including past hockey standouts like
Bryan Trottier, Butch Goring, Billy Smith and Dale Hawerchuk. And let's not forget
about the red-hot "Letters of Distinction" inserts with varied numbering, which
sport the actual "A's" and "C's" right off of players' game-worn jerseys!
The depth of autographed cards inside the set is especially significant as rookies,
current stars and retired legends abound. The two levels of the "SIGnificance"
offerings (numbered to 50 and numbered to 25) are jam-packed with talent young and
old as names like Jonathan Toews, Steven Stamkos, Steve Yzerman, Brian Leetch and
even Johnny Bucyk jump off the checklist. The dual-signed "Extra SIGnificance"
(numbered to 25) and thrice-signed "Triple SIGnificance" (numbered to 10) cards will
no doubt have collectors screaming with excitement upon cracking lucky packs.
Lastly, the sought-after rookie cards that are available - "Authentic Rookies"
(numbed to 999) and "Authentic Rookies SP" (numbed to 99) - will round out one's
collection very nicely. And the "Rookie Exclusives" autograph cards are all numbered
to 100. With names like Tavares, Duchene and Victor Hedman waiting to be discovered,
excessive crack-packing will be at an all-time high.
The product, currently on store shelves, includes three cards per pack, six packs
per box.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Topps Unveils Jason Heyward as Finest Rookie Redemption #1...With a Twist!
Topps announces the player redeemable for the 2010 Topps Finest Baseball Rookie Redemption # 1 is Atlanta Braves slugger Jason Heyward. And to spice to up the offer, 10% of the Jason Heyward cards redeemed will be AUTOGRAPHED! (on-card that is!). Collectors will be immediately notified if their version is autographed once they unlock their code online. If you have already unlocked your code on Topps.com, go back and check your online redemption account to see if you have been awarded an autographed version!
Throughout the 2010 Major League Baseball season, Topps will announce the subjects for the 10-card Rookie Redemption set. Each Master Box of Topps Finest includes one Rookie Redemption. In addition, collectors can also find redemptions for Blue Refractors (#’d to 199) and Gold Refractors (#’d to 50) versions.
Stay tuned for Rookie Redemption # 2!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Upper Deck Unveils 2010 Greats of the game basketball
Upper Deck Unveils 2010 Greats of the Game Basketball; First Set Devoted to College
Cards
Sports card giant teams with The Collegiate Licensing Company to deliver
nothing but net with newest basketball card release
Carlsbad, CA (April 8, 2010) - Hot on the heels of Duke's thrilling 61-59 triumph
over Butler in Monday night's NCAA(r) Men's Basketball title game, the Upper Deck
Company is proud to announce the release of its first collegiate-focused sports
trading card set: 2010 Greats of the Game Basketball. With its recently inked
exclusive contract with The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), Upper Deck pulled
out all the stops with its slam-dunk launch featuring some of the greatest
collegiate roundball stars in history.
"Our 2010 Greats of the Game Basketball release represents one of our most popular
basketball brands from years past and now it's making its return as a stand-alone
product," said Brandon Miller, Upper Deck's CLC brand manager. "It is well
positioned to thrill hoops fans with strong collegiate content featuring autographs
from the likes of Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
The 200-card base set is chock full of the biggest names who have ever played
collegiate basketball, as well as a few standouts who bypassed college all together
before joining the ranks of professional basketball, and includes four 25-card
subsets spotlighting the best of the best. The four subsets include "Big Man on
Campus" featuring names such as Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston), Danny Manning (Kansas)
and Bill Laimbeer (Notre Dame); "Banner Season," which celebrates winning campaigns
posted by the likes of UNLV, Duke and UCLA; "Old School," which pays tribute to
college stars like Larry Bird (Indiana State), John Stockton (Gonzaga) and Bill
Walton (UCLA); and "Glory Days," a compilation of stellar moments coming from Alonzo
Mourning (Georgetown), Derrick Rose (Memphis) and Calbert Cheaney (Indiana). Some of
the players featured who made the leap to pro ball without ever attending college
include Moses Malone, Vlade Divac and LeBron James.
Beyond the aforementioned base-level cards, Upper Deck's Greats of the Game
Basketball brings collectors some of the most sought-after insert cards ever
assembled. The memorabilia insert card lineup is entitled "Old School Swatches" (one
per box, on average) and highlights players like George Gervin (Eastern Michigan)
and David Robinson (Navy), while the autographed inserts boast varied numbering
across an assortment of lineups including "Memorable Monikers," "School Pride" and
"Legends of the Hall." Autographed parallels of the regular base cards are also
sprinkled in with one version numbered to 199 and the other numbered to 50.
"Fans and collectors have been asking for comprehensive collegiate trading card sets
for a long time," said David Kirkpatrick, Vice President of Non-Apparel Marketing
for The Collegiate Licensing Company. "The team at Upper Deck has assembled this
tremendous collection of many of the best players in college basketball history. The
2010 Greats of the Game set is the first collective project in our new partnership.
The collegiate institutions and CLC are looking forward to working closely with
Upper Deck to maximize the tremendous opportunities that exist for licensed
collegiate trading cards."
The product, currently on store shelves, includes eight cards per pack, 16 packs per
box.
Cards
Sports card giant teams with The Collegiate Licensing Company to deliver
nothing but net with newest basketball card release
Carlsbad, CA (April 8, 2010) - Hot on the heels of Duke's thrilling 61-59 triumph
over Butler in Monday night's NCAA(r) Men's Basketball title game, the Upper Deck
Company is proud to announce the release of its first collegiate-focused sports
trading card set: 2010 Greats of the Game Basketball. With its recently inked
exclusive contract with The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), Upper Deck pulled
out all the stops with its slam-dunk launch featuring some of the greatest
collegiate roundball stars in history.
"Our 2010 Greats of the Game Basketball release represents one of our most popular
basketball brands from years past and now it's making its return as a stand-alone
product," said Brandon Miller, Upper Deck's CLC brand manager. "It is well
positioned to thrill hoops fans with strong collegiate content featuring autographs
from the likes of Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
The 200-card base set is chock full of the biggest names who have ever played
collegiate basketball, as well as a few standouts who bypassed college all together
before joining the ranks of professional basketball, and includes four 25-card
subsets spotlighting the best of the best. The four subsets include "Big Man on
Campus" featuring names such as Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston), Danny Manning (Kansas)
and Bill Laimbeer (Notre Dame); "Banner Season," which celebrates winning campaigns
posted by the likes of UNLV, Duke and UCLA; "Old School," which pays tribute to
college stars like Larry Bird (Indiana State), John Stockton (Gonzaga) and Bill
Walton (UCLA); and "Glory Days," a compilation of stellar moments coming from Alonzo
Mourning (Georgetown), Derrick Rose (Memphis) and Calbert Cheaney (Indiana). Some of
the players featured who made the leap to pro ball without ever attending college
include Moses Malone, Vlade Divac and LeBron James.
Beyond the aforementioned base-level cards, Upper Deck's Greats of the Game
Basketball brings collectors some of the most sought-after insert cards ever
assembled. The memorabilia insert card lineup is entitled "Old School Swatches" (one
per box, on average) and highlights players like George Gervin (Eastern Michigan)
and David Robinson (Navy), while the autographed inserts boast varied numbering
across an assortment of lineups including "Memorable Monikers," "School Pride" and
"Legends of the Hall." Autographed parallels of the regular base cards are also
sprinkled in with one version numbered to 199 and the other numbered to 50.
"Fans and collectors have been asking for comprehensive collegiate trading card sets
for a long time," said David Kirkpatrick, Vice President of Non-Apparel Marketing
for The Collegiate Licensing Company. "The team at Upper Deck has assembled this
tremendous collection of many of the best players in college basketball history. The
2010 Greats of the Game set is the first collective project in our new partnership.
The collegiate institutions and CLC are looking forward to working closely with
Upper Deck to maximize the tremendous opportunities that exist for licensed
collegiate trading cards."
The product, currently on store shelves, includes eight cards per pack, 16 packs per
box.
Upper Deck Loses NFL Card License
Upper Deck announced Wednesday evening that it will no longer be licensed to produce NFL trading cards, ending weeks of speculation about what the beleaguered manufacturer’s status for the future might be.
Upper Deck spokesman Terry Melia commented on the decision via one of the company’s Twitter accounts, saying “This just in: UD was unable to come to terms with NFL Properties. No NFL Properties-licensed football cards from UD in 2010. Bummer.”
In a formal statement, Upper Deck owner Richard McWilliam said the company will instead put its focus on its exclusive with the Collegiate Licensing Company and its NHL products after the end of its 19-year run with the NFL
“Over the past year, Upper Deck has attempted to negotiate a new licensing deal with NFL Properties,” McWilliam said. “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were not able to reach agreeable terms, and therefore will not be issuing any NFL Properties-licensed trading cards for the 2010 season. Upper Deck will continue to focus on its exclusive license agreement with the Collegiate Licensing Company and co-exclusive agreements with NHL Enterprises and the NHL Players’ Association, as well as its multiple entertainment licenses.”
An additional Twitter comment on an Upper Deck account states that the company’s recently released Exquisite line “will be the last one for NFL for the immediate future.”
At this time last year, the Carlsbad, Calif.-based company was a licensee of Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NFL and the exclusive licensee of NHL cards. Going forward right now, the company has just a MLB Players Association licensing agreement and the NHL, which is no longer an exclusive
Upper Deck spokesman Terry Melia commented on the decision via one of the company’s Twitter accounts, saying “This just in: UD was unable to come to terms with NFL Properties. No NFL Properties-licensed football cards from UD in 2010. Bummer.”
In a formal statement, Upper Deck owner Richard McWilliam said the company will instead put its focus on its exclusive with the Collegiate Licensing Company and its NHL products after the end of its 19-year run with the NFL
“Over the past year, Upper Deck has attempted to negotiate a new licensing deal with NFL Properties,” McWilliam said. “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were not able to reach agreeable terms, and therefore will not be issuing any NFL Properties-licensed trading cards for the 2010 season. Upper Deck will continue to focus on its exclusive license agreement with the Collegiate Licensing Company and co-exclusive agreements with NHL Enterprises and the NHL Players’ Association, as well as its multiple entertainment licenses.”
An additional Twitter comment on an Upper Deck account states that the company’s recently released Exquisite line “will be the last one for NFL for the immediate future.”
At this time last year, the Carlsbad, Calif.-based company was a licensee of Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NFL and the exclusive licensee of NHL cards. Going forward right now, the company has just a MLB Players Association licensing agreement and the NHL, which is no longer an exclusive
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Upper Deck Unveils 2009 Exquisite Collection Football!
Upper Deck Unveils 2009 Exquisite Collection Football!
Bonus pack of one autographed memorabilia card included in every box!
Carlsbad, CA (March 30, 2010) – When it comes to celebrating the best of today’s top-flight talent in the NFL, the Upper Deck Company has hit paydirt with its latest product release: 2009 Exquisite Collection Football. One of Upper Deck’s most highly coveted offerings, Exquisite Collection Football delivers three hard-signed autographs in every box with a bonus pack containing an additional single- or dual-autographed book card!
“This is our most anticipated product of the year,” said Brandon Miller, Upper Deck’s Football brand manager. “Every year we hand pack this product to ensure the greatest possible value in every box for our consumers. We see firsthand some of the amazing autographs, inscriptions and patches that are set to blow away our Exquisite collectors and we can’t wait to see and hear their responses once the cards reach the open market.”
The Upper Deck Facebook and Twitter sites featured live postings from the Exquisite packout chronicling the process and included an impressive array of card images snapped just prior to being put into their respective boxes. Images can be found at the Upper Deck Sports Blog: http://upperdeckblog.com/2010/03/brag-photo-of-the-week-simply-exquisite/.
The bonus pack in every box, featuring elegantly designed Exquisite Autobiography or Exquisite Rookie Bookmarks cards, reflect outstanding player selection, photography and value as an additional single or dual-signed card. The set’s regular base cards are numbered to 80, Rookie Signatures are numbered to 99, and the Rookie Signature Patch cards are numbers to 225 or less. But that’s just the start of this windfall for gridiron fans!
Beyond the aforementioned cards, Exquisite Collection Football brings collectors some of the classiest assortments of specialty cards ever offered. The autographed and memorabilia insert card lineup seems endless. You have “Exquisite Rare Materials” (numbered to 35) and its tag parallel (numbered to 10); “Exquisite Dual and Quad Logo Signatures” (numbered to 1); and “Exquisite Inscriptions” (numbered to 15). You will also find “Exquisite Patch” cards (numbered to 75); dual patch cards (numbered to 50); triple patch cards (numbered to 25); and quad patch cards (numbered to 20).
Moving right along, the “Exquisite Endorsements Signatures” autograph cards include the likes of Ben Roethlisberger, Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning, while the “Exquisite Signature Nameplates” sport top-tier names like former Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, Hall-of-Fame QB Dan Marino and 2007 Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson. Top rookies from the Class of 2009 are highlighted throughout the product with standouts like Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford sharing a dual-signed “Exquisite Ensemble Signatures” card, and the foursome of Knowshon Moreno, Chris “Beanie” Wells, Donald Brown and LeSean McCoy adorning a beautifully designed quad-signed “Ensemble 4 Signatures” card.
Whether it’s “Endorsements Parallel” cards numbered to 15, “Bio Script Signatures” numbered to 5, or “Legendary Signature” cards numbered to 25, there’s something special inside every pack of Upper Deck’s 2009 Exquisite Collection Football.
The product, currently on store shelves, includes six cards per pack plus an additional book card bonus pack in every hobby box.
About Upper Deck
Upper Deck is the leading sports and entertainment trading card and collectibles company. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com.
###
Bonus pack of one autographed memorabilia card included in every box!
Carlsbad, CA (March 30, 2010) – When it comes to celebrating the best of today’s top-flight talent in the NFL, the Upper Deck Company has hit paydirt with its latest product release: 2009 Exquisite Collection Football. One of Upper Deck’s most highly coveted offerings, Exquisite Collection Football delivers three hard-signed autographs in every box with a bonus pack containing an additional single- or dual-autographed book card!
“This is our most anticipated product of the year,” said Brandon Miller, Upper Deck’s Football brand manager. “Every year we hand pack this product to ensure the greatest possible value in every box for our consumers. We see firsthand some of the amazing autographs, inscriptions and patches that are set to blow away our Exquisite collectors and we can’t wait to see and hear their responses once the cards reach the open market.”
The Upper Deck Facebook and Twitter sites featured live postings from the Exquisite packout chronicling the process and included an impressive array of card images snapped just prior to being put into their respective boxes. Images can be found at the Upper Deck Sports Blog: http://upperdeckblog.com/2010/03/brag-photo-of-the-week-simply-exquisite/.
The bonus pack in every box, featuring elegantly designed Exquisite Autobiography or Exquisite Rookie Bookmarks cards, reflect outstanding player selection, photography and value as an additional single or dual-signed card. The set’s regular base cards are numbered to 80, Rookie Signatures are numbered to 99, and the Rookie Signature Patch cards are numbers to 225 or less. But that’s just the start of this windfall for gridiron fans!
Beyond the aforementioned cards, Exquisite Collection Football brings collectors some of the classiest assortments of specialty cards ever offered. The autographed and memorabilia insert card lineup seems endless. You have “Exquisite Rare Materials” (numbered to 35) and its tag parallel (numbered to 10); “Exquisite Dual and Quad Logo Signatures” (numbered to 1); and “Exquisite Inscriptions” (numbered to 15). You will also find “Exquisite Patch” cards (numbered to 75); dual patch cards (numbered to 50); triple patch cards (numbered to 25); and quad patch cards (numbered to 20).
Moving right along, the “Exquisite Endorsements Signatures” autograph cards include the likes of Ben Roethlisberger, Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning, while the “Exquisite Signature Nameplates” sport top-tier names like former Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, Hall-of-Fame QB Dan Marino and 2007 Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson. Top rookies from the Class of 2009 are highlighted throughout the product with standouts like Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford sharing a dual-signed “Exquisite Ensemble Signatures” card, and the foursome of Knowshon Moreno, Chris “Beanie” Wells, Donald Brown and LeSean McCoy adorning a beautifully designed quad-signed “Ensemble 4 Signatures” card.
Whether it’s “Endorsements Parallel” cards numbered to 15, “Bio Script Signatures” numbered to 5, or “Legendary Signature” cards numbered to 25, there’s something special inside every pack of Upper Deck’s 2009 Exquisite Collection Football.
The product, currently on store shelves, includes six cards per pack plus an additional book card bonus pack in every hobby box.
About Upper Deck
Upper Deck is the leading sports and entertainment trading card and collectibles company. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com.
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