You will soon have another way to trade Topps.

After a record-setting $567 million in sales in 2020 -- a 23-percent increase over the previous year -- the company is going public after a merger with Mudrick Capital Acquisition. The $1.3 billion company will be traded as TOPP on NASDAQ once the deal closes later this year.

The company has been publicly traded before. On Oct. 12, 2007, it was purchased by Michael Eisner's The Tornante Company LLC and Madison Dearborn Partners LLC with shareholders receiving $9.75 per share (approximately $3.85 million.) Eisner, the former chairman and CEO of Disney before chairing Topps, will become chairman of the combined company’s board of directors.

“The strong emotional connection between the Topps brand and consumers of all ages is truly foundational, and, when combined with our growing portfolio of strategic licensing partnerships, creates a profitable business model with meaningful competitive advantages," Eisner said in a prepared release. "Equally important, the management team at the helm of Topps, which we’ve been building for the last 14 years, is outstanding, with deep roots in sports and entertainment, digital, gift cards and confections.

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The Mick is back on Topps cardboard.

Mickey Mantle will be returning to Topps' MLB products soon as the company revealed the news in an online video Monday night. The move seems like it might be timed to coincide with Card No. 400 in The Living Set that will arrive on Wednesday, though no details were released with the teaser.

The last time Mantle appeared on a substantial number of Topps cards was in 2012. Mantle had been a Panini America exclusive since April 2017.

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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com

Mike Trout is on Topps' team as long as he's a big-leaguer.

That was the news on Monday as Topps revealed it has locked down the Los Angeles Angels outfielder to a long-term card autograph and appearances deal. Terms were not disclosed but it's apparently the biggest such deal in company history in both dollars and length.

“I can’t tell you how long this is, but as long as Mike Trout is playing baseball, he’ll be with Topps and he’s 29,” David Leiner, Topps VP and GM of global sports and entertainment told SBJ to publicly reveal the deal. “You’re looking at the biggest name in the game and we wanted to lock him up the way the Angels did when they signed him to a $430-million contract.”

The deal includes social media and in-person appearances for the company and a continued presence on product packaging.

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com

The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: PSA raises prices, eBay Bucks are going away on everyday buys, big pulls and more in today's edition.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: Big players in the collecting game along with the Goldin Auctions news, big breaks, picking one MLB set and more in today's edition.

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Business is booming -- and the investors are noticing, too.

Goldin Auctions revealed Tuesday that it raised approximately $40 million in growth financing from The Chernin Group, an investment firm whose aim is "building and investing in leading, emerging consumer businesses in the media, commerce and technology industries."

According to the Runnemede, N.J., auction house's announcement, the funds will "help invest in technology, operations and audience development to further build upon the trust the company has established with buyers and sellers on its platform" as the auction industry has grown to more than $10 billion in annual transactions. The auction house was founded in 2012 and has grown quickly, grossing more than $100 million last year.

Founder Ken Goldin becomes executive chairman of the company while Ross Hoffman, who has held senior positions at Twitter, Google and Headspace, is the company's new CEO where he "will oversee the development of innovative new products and experiences that will redefine the collectibles industry and further cement the company’s reputation as the trusted leader in trading cards and memorabilia." Meanwhile, Goldin "will leverage his extensive knowledge, history and relationships in the collectibles industry to help lead the company’s continued growth."

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Panini Prizm UFC cards are on the way.

That's just one of the developments finally confirmed today as Panini America and UFC have finally formally unveiled their new exclusive licensing deal to make officially licensed cardboard for the promotion.

"We are thrilled to welcome Panini America as UFC’s new official collectible trading card partner," said UFC Senior VP of Global Consumer Products Tracey Bleczinski in a prepared statement. "Many of our fans use collectible trading cards to stay connected to our brand and to their favorite UFC athletes and Panini America is the industry leader, creating innovative and unique products for our fans to enjoy."

Details were not released but it was described as a multi-year licensing agreement.

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In its first 10 months, The Modern Wax Fund reflected some crazy times in the sports card world.

How crazy? The Fund's valuation report of the underlying asset holdings during its rookie season shows an overall increase of 195.1 percent, fueled by an explosion of interest for the recent-year NBA assets. Basketball boxes alone jumped 301 percent in a year, while NFL also had a 164-percent jump and "other sports" (in lower total volume) jumped 194 percent.

This first-of-its-kind private-equity fund focused on trading cards is a creation of Attic Investments and Blowout Cards. It started with more than $3 million in unopened product -- some of the rarest and most-desired baseball, basketball, football and other cards from the modern era -- last February with a $25,000 minimum buy-in from investors.

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It's party time once again on Feb. 9.

Topps revealed that the year's 2021 Topps Series 1 Rip Party will take place on the Tuesday before the flagship product's formal arrival to the world.

It will once again showcase breakers but this time they will "go head-to-head as they rip open 2021 Series 1 and compete for the Platinum Box Cutter" and also open some packs from the past with other guests.

Just how that will happen is yet to be detailed but it will all take place via Topps' social media channels.

You can see more on 2021 Topps Series 1 baseball cards right here.

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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com.

Soccer icon David Beckham has a new team ... Panini America. 

The "exclusive long-term relationship that makes Beckham a global brand ambassador for the company" will include soccer cards as well as signed memorabilia via Panini Authentic.

“This partnership is one of the most significant in our history and we’re ecstatic to be able to bring David into the Panini family in such a meaningful way,” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop in a prepared release. “We are excited to move into this next phase by highlighting him as a global ambassador through a variety of initiatives, trading cards and unique memorabilia that celebrate his incredible career.”

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Ja Morant is staying exclusive to Panini America.

The company revealed its multi-year extension with the NBA Rookie of the Year on Wednesday and it will keep him exclusive to their team when to comes to autographed cards and signed memorabilia found via Panini Authentic.

“During a spectacular rookie season, Ja quickly established himself as a bonafide star and captured the imagination of NBA fans and collectors across the globe,” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop. “We were honored to partner with him last year but we’re even more excited about what lies ahead -- not just for Ja on the court but also for our relationship. Ja represents an exciting and bright future for the NBA.”

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: Pondering future MLB stars, more PSA sale reactions, a thread that starts off stupid (but hasn't been deleted yet so there might be hope), big breaks and, of course, Panini Prizm.

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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are a few threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.

What's Buzzing: Big pulls, PSA's parent company is sold and "Boredlawyer" has an MLB question.

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The untimely death of NBA great Kobe Bryant earlier this year left many collectors wondering what might happen with Panini America autograph redemptions that were still in the works.

Today, Panini revealed its plans -- a mix of fulfillments where possible and then comparable replacement autos as well as a special set and some new Bryant-inspired Mosaic parallel cards for cases where collectors simply won't be able to get an autograph that Bryant had committed to sign before he died.

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It was a fantastic sight at Blowout Cards - The Fantastic Store on Wednesday as a holy grail of gaming walked in the door.

What you see here is a Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Booster Box that's the home of the debut card for Charizard, a rarity that in top graded condition on its own sells for six figures. It's a card where celebs Logic and Logan Paul own and chase their own copies -- coughing up plenty for them just earlier this month.

Over on Blowout's Most Wanted where we're buying many types of these boxes, it's a monster, too. These boxes that only started arriving in the U.S. market in 1999 are as big as it gets with their own six-figure buying price. Click that link for the latest ... but as Buzz types this it's a cool $300,000. It's also not alone as there are other boxes commanding thousands ... and we're paying.

Why is there so much demand? Well, countless Pokémon boxes got ripped to sell as packs -- so sealed boxes are rare. And the rarest cards are even harder to find in top condition because, well, people played the game. For those who like to grade cards, there's hope that one of those monster cards is perhaps hiding inside ... but leaving the boxes sealed is also a safe long-term investor move. It's arguably a perfect storm.

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How the Blowout's Most Wanted Process Works
Check out the buy listings at the link above. And, if you have boxes to sell ... 
-- Email wanted@blowoutcards.com with the subject line: Pokemon
-- List the product(s) that you have for sale.
-- Indicate your preferred method of payment (PayPal, check or BlowoutCards store credit)
-- Send the email
-- As soon as it is received, a member of our buying team will contact you with further instructions.

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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com

College football stars who make it to a long-standing All-Star event will have a new place to find themselves on cardboard.

Panini America and the Senior Bowl revealed a new licensing deal on Thursday that will mean trading cards at the annual event held in Mobile, Ala., and also cards into packed-out football releases. The 72-year-old bowl game has showcased 52 eventual Pro Football Hall of Famers over the years with the next event is set for Jan. 30.

"In addition to making custom trading cards for each of the invited players, Panini and the Senior Bowl will also work at developing digital and social activations that celebrate the players throughout the week and as they make their way to the NFL Draft," read a prepared release. "Panini will also look to incorporate Senior Bowl elements and assets into its trading card products."

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Tom Brady has another new team.

Fanatics and the Tampa Bay Bucs quarterback revealed on Wednesday morning that they have signed an exclusive multi-year deal for the future Hall of Famer's autographed memorabilia to only be produced in the future via Fanatics Authentic, its memorabilia division. The six-time Super Bowl champ also will sell game-used memorabilia via the company.

“Fanatics is a brand synonymous with authenticity, in both the merchandise they provide and the timeless memories they create that go well beyond a jersey or a football,” Brady said in a prepared release. “Michael Rubin and Fanatics have been great partners throughout the ALL-IN Challenge, and I’m proud to be aligned with a company that is creating these types of genuine connections for people all over the world.”

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It's 10:10 a.m. Eastern at the home of BlowoutCards.com on the 10th day of the 10th month of the year.

That means the clock is ticking on the 10/10 Sale and that means 10 percent off literally everything in stock on the site right now ... well, for now.

No matter what you collect -- whether it's the longball legends of MLB. the mystical in Magic: The Gathering, the cool stars from hockey, the princesses of Disney, the rim-rockers in the NBA or the hard-hitters of MMA -- it's all up for grabs at 10 percent off.

What will you find? What will you grab?

That's up to you ... and the clock is ticking.

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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com.

If you want $100 off an item over at Goldin Auctions, here's how you can do it.

All new registrants who go here and complete the form have taken the first step.

After that, you'll need to email info@goldinauctions.com, state you are from the Blowout Forum and that you just registered at Goldin Auctions for the first time to request a $100 credit for your account.

You will receive a $100 electronic gift certificate that can be used in any auction on any invoice from today through Dec 31, 2021. The certificate is non-transferable.

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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com 

Topps is taking to the racetrack around the world via Formula 1.

Although you may know that as a regular reader here, a multi-year formal licensing deal was formally unveiled on Thursday. It's a global license that will mean new high-end cards, standard racing cards, digital cards, gaming releases and even stickers for the stars of the racing series. All 10 teams will be represented.

"Formula 1 is thrilled to partner with Topps to create our first-ever series of licensed trading cards and stickers," said Frank Arthofer the Formula 1 leader of digital media and licensing. "Together with Topps and the F1 teams, we can bring the excitement of Formula 1 to new and existing fans. We share a common vision for increasing how F1 can innovate in the collectibles space, and the launch of Topps official stickers and trading cards will be a key part of that strategy."

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The arrival of this year's Allen & Ginter baseball card set from Topps is nearly here -- a little later than usual thanks to COVID-19 -- but for breaker Christopher Lawson over at Crackin' Wax that just makes things even better.

Why?

The release is the key for his annual charity break that benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. It's in its seventh year and this time it gets a bunch of stuff into collectors' hands beyond the newest oddities in baseball card form. Proceeds from all of their Ginter breaks go there as do entries for a large lot of stuff going to one lucky collector -- the Charity Prize Pack. And more time (Ginter is normally a July release) means more stuff up for grabs.

Keep reading for how it works.

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It wasn't an easy first year thanks to coronavirus, but they're almost there

You might remember them from this piece in March, and since then Turf & Dirt Sports Cards in Bellingham, Wash., has weathered the storm with its eye on a one-year anniversary roughly this time next month.

"We opened our shop to create the best environment possible for the community of sports card collectors," said owner Jimmy Sears, who opened it on Oct. 5 last year. "Being a new shop is always challenging, but a new shop during COVID-19, brought new challenges to being open and keeping the hobby going."

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The show will wait until next year.

This year's National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, N.J., is canceled.

It had been postponed to December due to the COVID-19 pandemic but finally was officially called off by show organizers on Thursday morning. They cited "concern for the safety of attendees and exhibitors and the uncertainty over COVID-19 federal and state guidelines as the major reasons for the cancellation" and noted that the 2021 show in Chicago is set for July 28-Aug. 1 is under way.

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Blowoutcards.com is very excited to be part of sports card history.

For more than 20 years, our team has worked with collectors and investors looking to purchase unopened boxes and cases, and early this year while working on The Modern Wax Fund we were fortunate to meet with some of the most-passionate collectors in the business.

The 1986-87 Fleer NBA sealed case of 12 36-pack boxes is one of the most-prestigious, rare and sought-after items in our hobby as it includes the Rookie Cards for Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and many other Hall of Famers. We fielded dozens of calls for our opinion and assessment of value shortly after what many consider the "holy grail" of modern era sports cards was going to be available at auction.

One of those calls was from a collector that we have worked with in the past and we were given the green light to purchase the case on his behalf. We are pleased to announce that we were successful in procuring it for him via Collect Auctions for $1.79 million on Thursday night.

Based on perfect collation -- Fleer was relatively consistent in its delivery at that time -- the case should be home to roughly 40 untouched Jordans, which have sold for $100,000 in BGS 10 form and PSA 10s have pushed that mark to just over $97,000 via Goldin Auctions. The card is heavily graded but those top marks are elusive due to the printing, cutting and packaging of the era.

Blowout Cards is active in the market and looking to purchase unopened NBA boxes and cases. A few current examples include 1980-81 Topps, 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, any Panini Prizm and also  Panini National Treasures releases.

If you have any to sell, please email wanted@blowoutcards.com.

For more information on the Modern Wax Fund, visit Modernwaxfund.com.
For inquiries or questions please contact Thomas Fish at fish@blowoutcards.com.

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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com.

Tomorrow would have marked the opening day of the National Sports Collectors Convention this year in Atlantic City, N.J., but that's not happening thanks to the coronavirus' life-changing grip on the country.

However, thanks to a group of podcasting collectors, there will be plenty of card chatter going on this weekend as HobbyPalooza! 2020 is here beginning on Friday at 2 p.m. Eastern time.

What is it? It will be a marathon of 35 hours full of card chatter from a number of different areas of the industry -- a virtual hangout.

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