TLL Staff Disney has given Mattel its royal seal of approval, renewing its multi-year global licensing agreement covering the Disney Princess and Frozen franchises. Those two brands are two of the most successful doll lines in the world, even rivalling Mattel's own Barbie franchise, so the renewal is a major—although fully expected—deal for Mattel. Through the agreement, … [Read more...] about Disney Renews Mattel Deal For Disney Princess and Frozen Dolls
U.S.
Variety Reports Paramount Skydance to Lay Off 2,000+ Workers
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief More than 10% of Paramount's employees will be laid off in the coming weeks, as the newly merged Paramount Skydance company begins expected cost cutting measures. The news will come as a shock but not a surprise to affected employees, since major job cuts were expected well before the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global … [Read more...] about Variety Reports Paramount Skydance to Lay Off 2,000+ Workers
Jazwares’ New Squishmallow Raising Funds for American Cancer Society
TLL Staff Jazwares is turning play into purpose with the debut of “Stephamos,” a limited-edition Squishmallows plush designed to raise funds — and spirits — for the American Cancer Society (ACS). The newest addition to the $4 billion Squishmallows empire, Stephamos is a blue-and-yellow phoenix symbolizing hope, care, and renewal. Available now for pre-order online, 100% of … [Read more...] about Jazwares’ New Squishmallow Raising Funds for American Cancer Society
Panini Renews Sponsorship of High School Hoophall Tourneys
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Panini America has again demonstrated its commitment to young athletes, renewing its title sponsorship of three high school 'Hoophall' showcases. Panini America and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame have entered into a multi-year agreement for Panini to serve as the title sponsor of the Hoophall Classic,Hoophall Invitational, and … [Read more...] about Panini Renews Sponsorship of High School Hoophall Tourneys
Kendall-Jackson Winery and NBA Toast a Slam-Dunk Collaboration
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Kendall-Jackson is popping the cork on its first-ever co-branded wine collection with the National Basketball Association. Kendall-Jackson is the family-owned winery behind America’s top-selling Chardonnay, and has partnered with the NBA on the release of three branded releases. First unveiled during NBA All-Star 2025 in San Francisco, the … [Read more...] about Kendall-Jackson Winery and NBA Toast a Slam-Dunk Collaboration
Teddy Mountain Producing Plush Toys for Fraggle Rock Fans
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Fraggles are back, as Teddy Mountain LLC has signed a deal to produce plush toys for the Jim Henson Company. Under the agreement, Teddy Mountain will create and distribute fully stuffed as well as DIY branded plush toys featuring characters from Henson’s beloved Fraggle Rock series. "Partnering with the iconic Jim Henson Company is an … [Read more...] about Teddy Mountain Producing Plush Toys for Fraggle Rock Fans
Athletes Getting Younger and Younger on Panini Trading Cards
Panini Signs Ground-breaking Deal With South Florida Express By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Panini America made a startling move this week, announcing a multi-year partnership with the 7-on-7 football program South Florida Express. The deal means Panini America will be putting out trading cards featuring youth athletes who are pre-college level, and may be among … [Read more...] about Athletes Getting Younger and Younger on Panini Trading Cards
Arthur Conan Doyle Estate Names Renaissance as North American Licensing Rep
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In licensing terms, as Sherlock Holmes might say, the game is afoot, as the Estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has appointed Renaissance Licensing as its exclusive licensing representative for North America. Under the new partnership, Renaissance Licensing will become the Watson to Conan Doyle's famed detective character Sherlock Holmes, as … [Read more...] about Arthur Conan Doyle Estate Names Renaissance as North American Licensing Rep
Hustle & Hope Named Winner of Mensa’s ‘Smart Choice’ Competition
Caption: Hustle & Hope CEO Ashley Sutton won the Mensa competition with a smarter greeting card concept, and is now exploring additional licensing opportunities with American Mensa. TLL Staff Greeting card company Hustle & Hope turned out to be the SMART CHOICE, winning a pitch competition staged by American Mensa. The prodigious brain trust at American … [Read more...] about Hustle & Hope Named Winner of Mensa’s ‘Smart Choice’ Competition
Absolut Performs Magic With “Wicked: For Good” Cocktails
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Absolut's potion masters have been hard at work, putting out a new line of cocktails to celebrate the release of Wicked: For Good. The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster musical Wicked flies like a winged monkey into theaters on November 21. To mark the occasion, Absolut is teaming up with Universal Pictures for some spellbinding … [Read more...] about Absolut Performs Magic With “Wicked: For Good” Cocktails