The NFL Players Association Will NOT Renew Topps License for 2010.

Yes, this is a baseball card blog, but because it is related to the company whose products I collect, it's big news.

The number one source in the hobby has reported that the NFL Players Association will not renew Topps License for 2010.

The current deal with Topps, Upper Deck, and Panini runs until February, 2010, and who is to say what happens in 2011 and beyond.

But here is the thing:

Just like in MLB, there are two distinct marketing arms in the NFL, NFL Properties and the NFL Players Association. There was a time in the early 90's that Topps didn't have a license from the NFL Properties, yet still produced cards as they were licensed by the NFLPA. I think now that the licenses have reversed because there has been no official word from NFL Properties regarding this matter. Just because the Players Association is cutting Topps off doesn't mean that they are totally out of the NFL card business yet. If however, NFL Properties says they are no longer going to work with Topps, then all is lost.

Regardless, this is a blow to Topps for sure. How much of an impact, though, remains to be seen.

This should make one specific blogger extremely happy though. And he knows who he is.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama