Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Shohei Ohtani and Topps, a division of Fanatics Collectibles, announced an exclusive, long-term trading-card deal.
The partnership includes autographs, game-used memorabilia and cards focused on moments and achievements, as well as U.S.- and Japan-based products.
“I’m happy to be exclusively partnering with Topps to give fans unique cards and collectibles for seasons to come.” Ohtani said in a statement.
The two-way superstar joins a Topps roster that features Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui, among other Japanese players.
It’s the second major trading-card deal for Fanatics Collectibles this year, who previously signed Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James in January.
“This is a momentous day in our brand’s history,” president of trading cards at Fanatics Collectibles David Leiner said of the partnership with Ohtani.
“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’s never before been seen in the hobby, all while bringing them closer to this once-in-a-lifetime player.”
Topps’ previous non-exclusive partnership with Ohtani began in January of 2018.
When did Fanatics purchase Topps?
Fanatics purchased Topps at the beginning of 2022 for a reported $500 million. The deal included both the physical and digital divisions of Topps’ worldwide trading cards and collectibles business.
“With trading cards and collectibles being a significant pillar of our long-term plans to become the leading digital sports platform, we are excited to add a leading trading cards company to build out our business,” Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin said in a statement at the time.
“Their iconic brand, commitment to product excellence and passionate employees worldwide will allow us to immediately serve our league and players’ association partners and our fans.”
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