Upper Deck loses bid for NFL card license

Upper Deck announced that the company was unable to come to terms with NFL Properties and will not be producing NFL Properties licensed football cards in the current calendar year.

Upper Deck released a statement soon after the news was made public that its 19-year relationship with the NFL had come to an end, stating that it would puts its focus on its one remaining exclusive contract with the Collegiate Licensing Company and its NHL products.

“Over the past year, Upper Deck has attempted to negotiate a new licensing deal with NFL Properties,” UD's Richard McWilliam said. “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were not able to reach agreeable terms, and therefore will not be issuing any NFL Properties-licensed trading cards for the 2010 season. Upper Deck will continue to focus on its exclusive license agreement with the Collegiate Licensing Company and co-exclusive agreements with NHL Enterprises and the NHL Players Association, as well as its multiple entertainment licenses.”

As it turns out, Upper Deck's recently released Exquisite Football will be its last of 2010.