NFL and NFL PLAYERS Announce New Multi-Year Deal With Topps

NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Topps Company, a leading creator and marketer of sports cards, today announced a multi-year trading card licensing agreement with the National Football League and NFL PLAYERS (the marketing and licensing arm of the NFLPA).  This deal will allow Topps to continue its strong history of offering collectors the industry's most sought-after football cards. 

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100429/NY95370 )

"We are excited to continue our deep, long standing partnership with the NFL and the NFLPA," said Ryan O'Hara, CEO of The Topps Company. "Topps will bring innovative, exciting and fun products to the marketplace to serve consumers and customers well."

"For more than a half century, football fans have been able to connect with the NFL and their favorite players through Topps football cards," said Leo Kane VP of consumer products at the NFL. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with Topps, bringing our fans collectibles for many years to come."

"Topps has been instrumental in establishing the player-fan connection for more than 50 years," said Keith Gordon, President of NFL PLAYERS.  "We're excited about the direction Topps is headed and are eager to see new products that will further enable football collectors to connect with our players."

Topps is set to unveil its first product of the season, Topps Football, just prior to the start of the 2010 NFL season.  "This year's Topps Football will be our best ever as it will be loaded with amazing content and truly deliver NFL rookies and stars," said Warren Friss, Topps' GM of Sports and Entertainment.  "It will also include a special Gridiron Giveaway promotion, which will allow collectors to unlock vintage Topps football cards and win various football prizes."

About The Topps Company, Inc.

Founded in 1938, Topps is the leading creator and marketer of sports and related cards, entertainment products, and distinctive confectionery. Topps entertainment products include the National Football League, MLB, UFC, WWE and other trading cards, sticker album collections, and collectible games. The Company's confectionery brands include "Bazooka" bubble gum, "Ring Pop," "Push Pop," "Baby Bottle Pop" and "Juicy Drop Pop" lollipops. For additional information, visit www.topps.com.

About NFL PLAYERS

Formed in 1994, NFL PLAYERS is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. Representing more than 1,800 active and many memorable former NFL players, NFL PLAYERS "takes the helmets off" the players and markets them as personalities as well as professional athletes. Through an exclusive sponsorship agreement between the organization and the NFL, players are integrated into NFL sponsor activation programs. In addition, under an exclusive agreement between NFL PLAYERS and the NFL, NFLPLAYERS.COM, the company's official website is part of the part of the NFL Internet Network. Each year, NFL PLAYERS negotiates and facilitates extensive player marketing opportunities for players. NFL PLAYERS activities include retail licensing, corporate sponsorships and promotions, special events, radio and television projects, publishing and internet. For more information, please visit NFLPLAYERS.COM.

© 2010 NFL Properties LLC. Team names/logos are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other trademarks are trademarks of the National Football league.

SOURCE The Topps Company