NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Topps Company today announced the release of 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball NFT (non-fungible token) collectibles, ushering in a new era of baseball card collecting in partnership with Major League Baseball and MLB Players, Inc. Launching Tuesday, April 20 at 1PM ET, Topps will build on its legacy as an innovator of digital collectibles by releasing its flagship yearly baseball card collection for the first time as NFTs. Artwork from the physical 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball release, including iconic throwback card templates, anniversary sets and more, will be digitally enhanced and creatively reimagined as officially licensed Topps MLB NFT collectibles.
“The partnership between Major League Baseball, MLB Players, Inc. and Topps has delighted collectors and fans for generations, celebrating the legendary players and iconic moments that have defined America’s Pastime,” said Tobin Lent, VP & General Manager of Topps Digital Sports & Entertainment at The Topps Company. “Our MLB blockchain NFT series debut marks a historic moment in the modern evolution of collecting for both traditional and new collectors. We’re excited to bring almost a decade’s worth of digital collectibles innovations to 2021 Topps Series 1 and provide another fun avenue for fans to collect their favorite heroes and moments with secure digital ownership on the blockchain.”
“Generations of Major League Baseball fans have expressed their passion for the sport and the players through Topps baseball cards. We are thrilled to see Topps extend that experience through NFTs,” said Jamie Leece, Senior Vice President, Major League Baseball Games & VR.
The Topps Series 1 Baseball NFT release will include standard and premium collectible packs for purchase, with card rarities ranging from Common to Legendary and even Legendary Limited-Edition 1-of-1 Platinum Anniversary cards. Collectors will be delighted to find all types of NFT collectibles in this release including motion graphics, nostalgic card templates and other digital flourishes that provide deeper engagement.
“As collectibles enjoy a breakout moment with NFTs and blockchain technology, we can’t think of a better way to honor the legendary players from years past and look forward to the incredible careers ahead of today’s stars and breakout rookies,” said Evan Kaplan, Managing Director of MLB Players, Inc. “These Topps cards offer a new innovative way for today’s collectors and fans to connect with their favorite stars.”
Topps has been bringing digital collectibles to market since 2012, with the launch and continued growth of their suite of mobile sports and entertainment digital collectibles apps, including their flagship baseball app, Topps® BUNT®. With this release, Topps Series 1 joins a rapidly growing collection of officially licensed Topps NFT collectibles on blockchain.
In celebration of the monumental release, the first 10,000 people who sign up to receive email alerts for Topps Series 1 are eligible to receive a free, exclusive Topps MLB Opening Day NFT Pack. To learn more about the release and to enroll in the Opening Day NFT Pack air drop event, collectors can visit here. Sale begins on Tuesday, April 20 at 1PM ET until sold out. For more information on Topps and for future announcements about Topps MLB releases, visit the Topps App's website, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
About Topps
Founded in 1938, The Topps Company, Inc. is a global consumer products company that entertains and delights consumers through a diversified, engaging, multi-platform product portfolio that includes physical and digital collectibles, trading cards, trading card games, sticker and album collections, memorabilia, curated experiential events, gift cards and novelty confections. Topps Physical Sports & Entertainment products include Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, National Hockey League, Formula 1, Star Wars, WWE, Wacky Packages®, Garbage Pail Kids®, Mars Attacks® and more. Topps Digital Sports & Entertainment has connected with people around the world who have downloaded our apps including Topps® BUNT®, TOPPS® KICK®, Star Wars™: Card Trader by Topps®, Topps® WWE SLAM™, Topps® NHL SKATE™, Marvel Collect! by Topps® and Disney Collect! by Topps®. Topps Digital Services is a leading processor, distributor and program manager of prepaid gift cards and provider of cloud-based financial services and white label e-gift solutions for widely recognized digital businesses that include Airbnb, Deliveroo, DoorDash, Hulu, Instacart, Netflix, Nike, Twitch and Uber. Topps Confections, Bazooka Candy Brands, produces, markets and distributes confections brands including Ring Pop®, Push Pop®, Baby Bottle Pop®, Juicy Drop®, Finders Keepers®, and Bazooka® bubble gum. For additional information visit topps.com, play.toppsapps.com, toppsdigitalservices.com, Candymania.com.
About MLB Players, Inc.
MLB Players, Inc. is the for-profit corporate subsidiary of the Players Association. It is charged with managing all commercial activities of the organization. At the core of MLBPI’s business today, it brings to market products and services featuring the publicity rights (name/image/likeness) of our Players. MLBPI grants these rights to its 100+ partners all over the world when more than two Players are featured. MLBPI negotiates agreements with companies to ensure Player-licensed products are part of the suite of baseball-related items fans want - when and where they want them.
