New Licensing Agreement (Upper Deck Exclusive) Discussion Thread

[RGM81]

Though the "Panini done?" thread has over 100 responses to it and a lot of activity, this major news story deserves it own thread and to have the news in the first post so that all collectors can be aware of how the hobby landscape is about to change for the next several years.

Today it was announced that Upper Deck will have an exclusive license to produce NHL hockey cards.

Read the full story here: http://www.beckett.com/news/2014/02/...ing-card-deal/

Discuss.

*EDIT*

Official NHLPA/NHL/UD Press Release: http://www.nhlpa.com/news/nhlpa-agre...-upper-deck-co

Panini Statement: http://paniniamerica.wordpress.com/2014/02/27/panini-america-issues-statement-regarding-nhlnhlpa-licensing-situation/

[centrehice]

The NHL and the NHLPA are getting too big for their britches. This reeks of collusion. This is not free enterprise in the least.

I now, will not buy my once per year 1-2 boxes of Upper Deck Series 1 any longer. UD can go to H.E. Double Hockey Sticks, because they are as deeply into this new NHL and NHLPA legislation as anybody. They know in time that Panini's base cards and common issues and ITG's professional cards are eating their lunch and just a matter to time before they dine at will.

For Shame on all involved.

[the_nange]

wow. This sucks.

[egghead529]

I personally prefer UD to Panini's parallel hell, so if it had to be an exclusive, I'm glad it's Upper Deck. If the number of products on the market decreases, then this is good for the hobby. If there are still 20 or so products on the market, then it's pretty worrisome

[hossa18sens]

Cue the month late products again.

[centrehice]

This has nothing to do with Parallel Hell as you so eloquently put it. It has everything to do with collusion. Obviously, UD sees both ITG and Panini as more than just competition.

ITGU's entries, and Panini's incredible common designs have had UD messing their drawers, until this....

[egghead529]

This has nothing to do with Parallel Hell as you so eloquently put it. It has everything to do with collusion. Obviously, UD sees both ITG and Panini as more than just competition.

ITGU's entries, and Panini's incredible common designs have had UD messing their drawers, until this....

I was simply stating my personal preference when it came to the cards. A lot of people on these boards refuse to acknowledge that what many of us call a hobby, is big business for these card companies and professional organizations. The NHL/NHLPA doesn't care about us, they care about money. Not only is one license easier to handle on their part, but I'm sure Upper Deck paid them quite the premium to get this exclusive.

[doniceage]

Sorry to see this happen but figured as much it would come down to a exclusive.

Don

[route42nj]

This blows. I just got back into collecting in Sept 2013 and some of my favorite cards to buy were singles of my favorite players of Dominion, Prime and Prizm. And I really liked breaking the Contenders, Pinnacle and Prizm stuff thats out.

When monopolies emerge the consumer gets screwed. Bend over.

[miscs75]

The industry has now gone the way of boring designs and extremely watered down products aka SPx and SPGU with ud-exclusive.