By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Pokémon Company International says it will acquire Excell Brands, its largest U.S. distribution partner, marking a significant strategic shift. Excell Brands is a leading U.S. distributor and category management service provider of trading cards and collectibles. While Excell has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Pokémon, it … [Read more...] about Pokémon to Acquire Its US Distribution Partner Excell Brands
Collectibles
Kayou Debuts at Toy Fair New York, Previews U.S. Expansion Plans
TLL Staff Kayou, a Chinese collectible trading card company, made its official debut at Toy Fair New York earlier this month, using the occasion to announce a slate of new licensed products and IP partnerships as part of its broader push into the U.S. market. The company, which describes itself as China's top trading card brand, showcased new releases and upcoming product … [Read more...] about Kayou Debuts at Toy Fair New York, Previews U.S. Expansion Plans
Match Attax Trading Card Game Signs Two New Licensing Deals
TLL Staff Bulldog Licensing has signed two new licensing agreements for the football trading card game Match Attax, expanding the brand into apparel and stationery ahead of the 2026 football season. Under the deals, Blues Group will develop children’s daywear and nightwear, while RMS will produce a range of stationery and accessories. Bulldog Licensing represents Match Attax, … [Read more...] about Match Attax Trading Card Game Signs Two New Licensing Deals
Paladone Expands NBCUniversal License to the United States
TLL Staff The global giftware company Paladone announced the expansion of its licensing agreement with NBC Universal, securing rights to bring its range of trend-led pop culture products to the United States for the first time. Under this expanded agreement, Paladone will develop and distribute a diverse collection of lifestyle and gifting products celebrating beloved NBC … [Read more...] about Paladone Expands NBCUniversal License to the United States
Who’s News: Funko Appoints Night CEO Reed Duchscher to Board
TLL Staff Funko says Night CEO Reed Duchscher has joined its board of directors, as longtime director Mike Lunsford steps down. Duchscher is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Night, a talent management and venture platform that partners with influential creators, artists, and brands. "I'm excited to be joining Funko at a time where the culture, entertainment, and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Funko Appoints Night CEO Reed Duchscher to Board
Cardsmiths Releases Its Largest Digital Trading Card Launch Yet
TLL Staff Cardsmiths has released Currency Series 5, the largest product launch in its history, expanding its portfolio of art-driven trading cards with a collection that blends traditional finance themes with blockchain culture. The series is now available through Cardsmiths’ website and select retail partners. The new set features returning artists Gunship Revolution … [Read more...] about Cardsmiths Releases Its Largest Digital Trading Card Launch Yet
Hasbro and Kayou Saddle Up For ‘My Little Pony’ Card Game
TLL Staff Chinese collectibles company Kayou has corralled a deal with Hasbro to introduce a My Little Pony card game in the U.S. Kayou is China's top trading card brand, and previously launched the My Little Pony Card Game – Friendships Begin in that country back in April. The success of that program has seen the partners expand the program, and the game is now being … [Read more...] about Hasbro and Kayou Saddle Up For ‘My Little Pony’ Card Game
Viral Chinese Collectibles Company Kayou Expands to U.S. Market
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Kayou, China’s largest collectibles company and top trading card brand, is entering the U.S. market this holiday season, marking the latest step in its global expansion. The move comes as Kayou enjoys viral growth rates in Asia. The company nearly quadrupled revenue in 2024 to $1.4 billion, fueled largely by demand for its high-quality … [Read more...] about Viral Chinese Collectibles Company Kayou Expands to U.S. Market
BrownTrout Calendars Deliver a Powerful Connection for Brands
Appointments Made, Dates Kept, Decades of Memories with BrownTrout Calendars & Planners Featured Article For thousands of years, humanity has relied on calendars to track time and milestones, evolving from ancient lunar markings to digital tools. BrownTrout Publishers continues this tradition in transforming calendars into powerful brand extensions for licensors. … [Read more...] about BrownTrout Calendars Deliver a Powerful Connection for Brands
Panini America Lands Agreement With Football Phenom Travis Hunter
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Panini America has landed an exclusive autographed trading card agreement with University of Colorado standout and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Hunter is seen as being among the next generation of football stars, after he dazzled fans with his rare two-way play as both a wide receiver and a cornerback for the Buffaloes. Panini … [Read more...] about Panini America Lands Agreement With Football Phenom Travis Hunter