Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Topps extends license with NFLPA

[ElectricFriar]

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-topps...flpa-2012-03-28

Any opinions on this? Frankly, I'm not clear if this means Topps has exclusive rights, shutting out Panini or UD.

I'm intrigued by this quote from Doug Kruep, VP General Manager - Sports and Entertainment:

"As the market leader, Topps will continue to drive innovation in the category and look to deliver even more this year with new products such as Bowman Football and Topps Strata,"

Topps Strata?? Sounds like another new product line.

Any way you slice it, with Andrew Luck and RG3, 2012 looks like it will be a pretty hot year for football cards.

[northicehero99]

Doesn't say it is exclusive, so I would guess that Panini would still be in the game as having more than one supplier of NFL cards would benefit the NFL and NFLPA. As for Topps, they make some good and some bad. Chrome and base Topps have been favorites, while others like Sterling, Platinum, and several others just hold no purchasing interest for me. Even this year I did not buy those, just too much emphasis in the hobby on the "hot" rookie, rather than quality products IMO by all manufacturers.

[bajmurray]

Agreed!

When Topps comes out with a product called "Legends" and most of the hits are rookies, it defeats the purpose!