Topps and Upper Deck NBA Licenses

[LongballLeader96]

It goes without saying that these two companies no longer produce NBA licensed trading cards anymore and I'm sure I'm not alone when I say Panini hasen't exactly filled the void they left. Can anyone tell me why both companies lost their licenses to produce NBA cards? I can see one of them, but both? Did they expire? Did Panini buy them out? Is there any chance either or both companies can return to the hobby? I really hope so.

The collegiate cards from Upper Deck aren't bad by any means. It's cool to see these great players when they were young guns in different uniforms and the set designs are good for the most part I think, but it's not the same. Am I right?

[cavaliersfan30]

Panini won the contract to do NBA...they wanted one company doing it...

[flecs]

Panini purchased the exclusive rights to produce NBA card after Topps and Upper Deck contract expired. I assume that the NBA thought it would help sell product by having only one company produce cards.

[GoDucks]

I think it sucks that Topps and Upper Deck aren't around like they used to be. I think Panini sucks for the most part.

[Dieken]

I think it sucks that Topps and Upper Deck aren't around like they used to be. I think Panini sucks for the most part.

+1 lol


busted only 2 boxes and decided not to buy anymore and only collect from the latest years of Topps and Upper deck(only the donruss press proof /100 design i like)

but for the rest, sorry no Panini for me, hope topps and ud are coming back in business , maybe all 3 compagnies together......????

[mrveggieman]

I don't think that Panini is as horrible as everyone makes them out to be but it would be nice if they had some competion from Topps and Upper Deck. It would also be nice if upper deck had some competition from press pass. Remember UD has no right to complain about exclusive liscences because they have the excuslive college liscence from the NCAA.

[cgb_orl]

With the current market, I don't think the NBA will change from their stance of one license. The bad market is why they all agreed on the single license to begin with. Also, if UD is able to sell college product effectively (mostly because of LBJ and MJ), why would they want to enter back into an oil-leaking business?

I agree, competition is needed though. Question is, will all the people crying for their return make it worth their while to stick around???

[mrveggieman]

With the current market, I don't think the NBA will change from their stance of one license. The bad market is why they all agreed on the single license to begin with. Also, if UD is able to sell college product effectively (mostly because of LBJ and MJ), why would they want to enter back into an oil-leaking business?

I agree, competition is needed though. Question is, will all the people crying for their return make it worth their while to stick around???

I can't speak for anyone else but if UD brings back their fleer brand as well as 1st edition I will be their biggest supporter.

[bobo9390]

I had no problem with Panini the past two years, but they really dropped the ball with the 11-12 products.

[jordan23]

Not anytime soon, maybe never even....