Includes U.S.-, Japan-Based Products
Topps — a division of Fanatics Collectibles — announced an exclusive, long-term global trading card deal with two-time MLB MVP, Shohei Ohtani.
The agreement begins immediately and includes autographs and game-used memorabilia cards, as well as cards focused on moments and achievements. It will also involve both U.S.- and Japan-based products, the latter a growing market for both the hobby and the brand.
“I’m happy to be exclusively partnering with Topps to give fans unique cards and collectibles for seasons to come,” said Ohtani via a press release.
The Los Angeles Dodgers star joins a Topps roster with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui, and other Japanese players. Fanatics Collectibles signed a long-term exclusive, trading card deal with NBA star LeBron James in January of this year.
“This is a momentous day in our brand’s history,” said David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles. “We aren’t just partners with Shohei — we’re big fans, both of everything he’s done on the field and how he represents the game off of it.
“With this new, exclusive deal, Topps will continue to be innovative in our offerings with him, giving collectors product that have never before been seen in the hobby, all the while bringing them closer to this once-in-a-lifetime player.”
Leiner noted Topps’ previous non-exclusive partnership with Ohtani began in January 2018.
