And Then There Was One

The Topps Company is now the exclusive maker of officially licenced MLB trading cards. The NY York Times has the story.

“This is redirecting the entire category toward kids,” said Eisner, who acquired the company in 2007. “Topps has been making cards for 60 years, the last 30 in a nonexclusive world that has caused confusion to the kid who walks into a Wal-Mart or a hobby store. It’s also been difficult to promote cards as unique and original.”

It's ironic that a anti-trust lawsuit forced competition in the Baseball card market in 1980, but nearly 30 years later they are seeking to recreate the monopoly. Both times they rationalized that it would stimulate the trading card market.

On a side note, Upper Deck, Topps main competitor, is not entirely shut out of Baseball. They recently announced a agreement with the MLB Players Association. So, they can feature the athletes, just not the logos.

Here is the official MLB announcement of the deal.

Story Link: NY Times:
Hat Tip: @CardBandits via @ACPressSusan L: