NEW YORK — Sports marketing retailer Fanatics Inc. has acquired the trading-card and collectable business of Topps Co. Inc., expanding its global digital sports platform database of more than 80 million fans with the addition of the licensed trading-card brand of more than 70 years.
“With trading cards and collectibles being a significant pillar of our long-term plans to become the leading digital sports platform, we are excited to add a leading trading-card company to build out our business,” said Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. “Their iconic brand, commitment to product excellence and passionate employees worldwide will allow us to immediately serve our league and players’ association partners and our fans.”
Following the acquisition, which closed Jan. 4, David Leiner, Topps global vice president, general manager, and Tobin Lent, Topps digital vice president, general manager now report to Doug Mack, Fanatics vice chairman and commerce CEO. Topps had approximately 350 employees that also transitioned into roles within Fanatics Trading Cards, a division launched in 2021.
Fanatics Trading Cards previously secured long-term trading cards rights with Major League Baseball (MLB), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), the National Basketball Association, the National Basketball Players Association and National Football League Players Association. With the acquisition of Topps, the company now has rights with Major League Soccer, Formula 1, UEFA and Bundesliga. The New York-based company also has rights to design, manufacture and distribute MLB and MLBPA cards immediately instead of the original combined start date of 2026.
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