Panini done?

[sensarmy73]

I heard a rumor that Panini after this July will no longer have a NHL liscence? Anyone know the validity of this?

[canucksfan007]

Where did you hear this from?

[RGM81]

If you're going to say something like this, give us a source. Otherwise it's just baseless Internet speculation.

The last licensing agreement (the UD Exclusive Era) was a five-year deal.

We're now in year four of the most recent "multi-year licensing agreement" with UD, Panini, and the NHLPA.

There's not really any information floating around to suggest that the licensing agreement is up for renewal this summer, and given how tight-lipped the industry tends to be, we likely won't be privy to anything until any announcements are made by the PA.

[sensarmy73]

not trying to pass false info. just heard it in passing and was just wondering was all. figured it as false.

[bprice]

The licensing agreements end this year.

We have applied for a license and have not hear the results yet.

The decision should be made shortly according to my communication with the NHLPA.

I certainly hope this rumor is not true, regardless if we are shutout again, the worst thing that can happen to our hobby is for anyone to have an exclusive.

Brian Price

[RGM81]

Thanks for this information, Dr. Price.

I was looking through the Internet to see when they made the announcement back in 2010 and it was late March. So we're around that same timeline now - should be interesting to see what happens.

My ideal scenario is that Panini, UD, and ITG each receive a license to make 7 NHL/PA products plus one specialty release if they so choose, i.e. Team Canada, Heroes and Prospects. I feel that all three companies have much to offer collectors, and it would be great for the hobby to have each of them producing products on a level playing field with the knowledge that they only get so many opportunities to deliver appealing hockey cards.

[piper1]

Question is "Who does the NHLPA consult with regarding the submissions?" Based on past evidence such as the lockout it is probably some back room dealing that is going on without any consideration for the fans/collectors.

[RGM81]

Question is "Who does the NHLPA consult with regarding the submissions?" Based on past evidence such as the lockout it is probably some back room dealing that is going on without any consideration for the fans/collectors.

Whoever offers the most $$$ - I can't envision their corporate folks sitting around a table discussing secondary market values or the aesthetics of one card company's releases vis-a-vis the competition. Though that would be interesting.

[ravens_creed]

Thanks for this information, Dr. Price.

I was looking through the Internet to see when they made the announcement back in 2010 and it was late March. So we're around that same timeline now - should be interesting to see what happens.

My ideal scenario is that Panini, UD, and ITG each receive a license to make 7 NHL/PA products plus one specialty release if they so choose, i.e. Team Canada, Heroes and Prospects. I feel that all three companies have much to offer collectors, and it would be great for the hobby to have each of them producing products on a level playing field with the knowledge that they only get so many opportunities to deliver appealing hockey cards.

My sentiments exacly. I wouldn't be disappointed with only 6 each, so as not to water-down the market too much or too quickly.

[piper1]

Whoever offers the most $$$ - I can't envision their corporate folks sitting around a table discussing secondary market values or the aesthetics of one card company's releases vis-a-vis the competition. Though that would be interesting.

Regardless of how they do it, Dr Price said we should all know the outcome really soon. The Spring Expo corporate booths and what they have to share/offer might be our first clue of the year to come. Perhaps there won't be anymore VIP Parties for BooBoo to obsess about.