Fanatics is about to buy Topps:

The move was suspected for some time, specifically since August, when Fanatics cemented a deal with Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association for the exclusive licenses to produce baseball cards, ending Topps’ ability to produce them after roughly 60 years of being one of the sport’s and hobby’s most recognized brands.

The deal set to be finalized Tuesday means Fanatics Trading Cards’ MLB and MLBPA rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards — originally slated to start in 2026 — will begin immediately.

ESPN.com

The deal is reportedly worth $500 million. It’s sad to see Topps disappear. I hope Fanatics keeps producing cards under the Topps logo.

It’s also sad to see competition disappear. I would expect less innovation in the card business in the next few years. For a business that revolves around competition, MLB is very happy to try to squash competition in most areas it does business.