At the recent Industry Convention in Vegas, those in attendance left sin city with the overwhelming impression that Topps would be making football cards in 2010. Early Thursday morning, those rumors became fact.
Topps announced they are in indeed back in the business of making football cards. Back in November, Topps, the elder statesman of the sports card industry, was oddly dropped by both the NFL.
Topps new agreement is with both the NFL and NFLPA, meaning Topps will be able to produce fully licensed NFL Cards in 2010.
“We are excited to continue our deep, long standing partnership with the NFL and the NFLPA," said Ryan O'Hara, Topps' CEO. “Topps will bring innovative, exciting and fun products to the marketplace to serve consumers and customers well."
Topps first 2010 product is expected to be base Topps, which will arrive around the time training camp is in full swing. It then plans on releasing Platinum, Finest and Triple Threads after that.
Quotes From the Parties Involved in the Topps comeback:
“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."
“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."
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