By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It's been an un-bee-lievable week for Matt Hilton, who just got his own trading card deal with Topps after saving the day at an MLB game in Arizona's Chase Field. The intrepid beekeeper was called in after a swarm of bees settled in behind home plate, delaying the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the LA Dodgers. Hilton arrived … [Read more...] about Beekeeper Gets His Own Topps Trading Card After Saving MLB Game
Collectibles
CCG Acquires World’s Largest Autograph Authenticator
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Certified Collectibles Group has reached a definitive agreement to acquire leading autograph authentication service James Spence Authentication. The acquisition will allow CCG to integrate the authentication, grading, and encapsulation of autographed collectibles. Prior to the acquisition, CCG has only offered witnessed authentication of … [Read more...] about CCG Acquires World’s Largest Autograph Authenticator
Panini Signs Caitlin Clark as Its First Exclusive Female Athlete Partner
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Panini America has announced an historic partnership for trading cards and autographed memorabilia with University of Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark. The agreement makes Clark the first female athlete to be signed to an exclusive partnership with Panini, a giant in the sports and entertainment collectibles sector. The reason is … [Read more...] about Panini Signs Caitlin Clark as Its First Exclusive Female Athlete Partner
Feature: Dune 2’s Creepy Popcorn Bucket Shows the Power of Licensing
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Let's face it. Those Dune 2 popcorn buckets are creepy. But despite that ... or because of it ... the Dune 2 popcorn buckets that resemble the horrific, gaping maw of a sandworm have gone viral, and are being sold as valuable collectibles. According to research by Hearts.co the sandworm-inspired buckets are selling for up to $138 online, … [Read more...] about Feature: Dune 2’s Creepy Popcorn Bucket Shows the Power of Licensing
Licensing Deal Brings MOK’s Hyper Realistic Collectibles to North America
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Mokeng (MOK) collectibles platform has expanded into North America through a licensing partnership with the Stars Collective studio and Hana Investments China. MOK specializes in creating, producing and marketing high-quality collectible statues and toys inspired by entertainment IPs from movies, comic books, anime, TV series and … [Read more...] about Licensing Deal Brings MOK’s Hyper Realistic Collectibles to North America
UFC Signs Multi-Year Trading Card Licensing With Fanatics and Topps
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mixed martial arts (MMA) giant UFC will again partner with Topps for an exclusive line of collectible trading cards. Topps previously held the license for UFC from 2009 to 2020, and in the intervening years the company was acquired by Fanatics, which quickly became the dominant force in the sector. Now, Topps is stepping back into … [Read more...] about UFC Signs Multi-Year Trading Card Licensing With Fanatics and Topps
LeBron James Joins Fanatics in Reported $5 Million Trading Card Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Basketball superstar LeBron James has signed an exclusive deal to join Fanatics Collectibles, the company's trading card division. Terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed, but collectibles insiders say the deal could be worth roughly $5 million a year for James. The deal sees James stepping away from long-time trading card … [Read more...] about LeBron James Joins Fanatics in Reported $5 Million Trading Card Deal
Jazwares Debuts Squishmallows Fashion Collection with H&M
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Jazwares has collaborated with H&M to launch a licensed apparel and accessories collection based on the Squishmallows plush line.The licensed apparel and accessories collection is inspired by the ultra-soft material of Squishmallows plush toys.The co-branded products feature several licensed Squishmallows characters such as Cam the Cat, … [Read more...] about Jazwares Debuts Squishmallows Fashion Collection with H&M
Funko App Using eBay Data to Assess Value of Its Collectibles
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Funko has announced an update to its official Funko app that incorporates new collection valuation capabilities powered by eBay transaction data.Scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, Funko's direct-to-consumer (DTC) catalog app will be revamped to include the new eBay valuation feature.The new eBay data integration for the Funko … [Read more...] about Funko App Using eBay Data to Assess Value of Its Collectibles
Netflix Signs Long-Term Licensing Deal With Fanattik
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterFanattik has secured a multi-year agreement with the Netflix streaming platform for licensed merchandise based on popular Netflix series.Licensed products featuring the Netflix Original series Stranger Things, The Witcher and One Piece will be distributed to retailers in the UK, Europe and internationally beginning in Q2 2024.“Both Fanattik and … [Read more...] about Netflix Signs Long-Term Licensing Deal With Fanattik