Another exclusive deal has been signed. First it was Panini (which bought out Donruss) signing an exclusive deal with the NBA to produce Basketball cards. Topps has added it's name to the list of exclusives with their new Multiyear deal with the MLB. Topps has signed a new deal with, Major League Baseball, which makes them the exclusive trading card company of the MLB starting in 2010.
The MLB believes there is a greater chance of organizing the marketplace with a singular partner, such as Topps. Upper Deck still has a contract with the Players Association, which give them the rights to players likenesses, but they don't have the right to team logos or trademarks. Baseball cards will most likely still be produced by Upper Deck, but all identifiable marks of a players team name or logo will have to be removed from view. Donruss may continue to make baseball rookie card products, as they did in 2008, which were a big hit with baseball card collectors. Such products as Playoff Contenders baseball and Donruss Elite Extra Edition, which offered true first year Rookie cards of newly drafted players and prospects who didn't have cards in any other sets. I guess we will see, if exclusive deals such as these, are a good thing or not for the hobby in the long run.
The H & H Crew!
The MLB believes there is a greater chance of organizing the marketplace with a singular partner, such as Topps. Upper Deck still has a contract with the Players Association, which give them the rights to players likenesses, but they don't have the right to team logos or trademarks. Baseball cards will most likely still be produced by Upper Deck, but all identifiable marks of a players team name or logo will have to be removed from view. Donruss may continue to make baseball rookie card products, as they did in 2008, which were a big hit with baseball card collectors. Such products as Playoff Contenders baseball and Donruss Elite Extra Edition, which offered true first year Rookie cards of newly drafted players and prospects who didn't have cards in any other sets. I guess we will see, if exclusive deals such as these, are a good thing or not for the hobby in the long run.
The H & H Crew!
No comments:
Post a Comment