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Topps to debut first MLB NFT collection with Topps Series 1 Baseball release
Topps announced Monday the April 20 release of 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball NFT digital collectibles, ushering in a new era of baseball card collecting in partnership with Major League Baseball and MLB Players, Inc.
The series will launch Tuesday, April 20 at 1 p.m. ET.
With the release, Topps will build on its legacy as an innovator of digital collectibles by releasing its flagship yearly baseball card collection for the first time as NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Artwork from the physical 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball release, including iconic throwback card templates, anniversary sets and more, will be digitally enhanced and creatively reimagined as officially licensed Topps MLB NFT collectibles.
Topps Chairman Michael Eisner calls the release "a truly historic moment – ushering in a new era of baseball card collecting."
“The partnership between Major League Baseball, MLB Players, Inc. and Topps has delighted collectors and fans for generations, celebrating the legendary players and iconic moments that have defined America’s Pastime,” said Tobin Lent, VP & General Manager of Topps Digital Sports & Entertainment at The Topps Company. “Our MLB blockchain NFT series debut marks a historic moment in the modern evolution of collecting for both traditional and new collectors. We’re excited to bring almost a decade’s worth of digital collectibles innovations to 2021 Topps Series 1 and provide another fun avenue for fans to collect their favorite heroes and moments with secure digital ownership on the blockchain.”
“Generations of Major League Baseball fans have expressed their passion for the sport and the players through Topps baseball cards. We are thrilled to see Topps extend that experience through NFTs,” said Jamie Leece, Senior Vice President, Major League Baseball Games & VR.
The Topps Series 1 Baseball NFT release will include standard and premium collectible packs for purchase, with card rarities ranging from Common to Legendary and even Legendary Limited-Edition 1-of-1 Platinum Anniversary cards. Collectors will have access to a variety of NFT collectibles in the release, including motion graphics, nostalgic card templates and other digital flourishes that provide deeper engagement.
“As collectibles enjoy a breakout moment with NFTs and blockchain technology, we can’t think of a better way to honor the legendary players from years past and look forward to the incredible careers ahead of today’s stars and breakout rookies,” said Evan Kaplan, Managing Director of MLB Players, Inc. “These Topps cards offer a new innovative way for today’s collectors and fans to connect with their favorite stars.”
Topps has been developing digital collectibles since 2012, with the launch and continued growth of their suite of mobile sports and entertainment digital collectibles apps, including their flagship baseball app, Topps Bunt. Topps Series 1 joins a rapidly growing collection of officially licensed Topps NFT collectibles on blockchain.
In celebration of the monumental release, the first 10,000 people who sign up to receive email alerts for Topps Series 1 are eligible to receive a free, exclusive Topps MLB Opening Day NFT Pack. To learn more about the release and enroll in the Opening Day NFT Pack air drop event, collectors can visit here. Sale begins on Tuesday, April 20 at 1 p.m. ET until sold out.
For more information on Topps and for future announcements about Topps MLB releases, visit the Topps App's website.
