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Topps signs Shohei Ohtani to new trading card deal
Topps has signed MLB superstar and two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani to an exclusive trading card deal.
The agreement, which begins immediately, includes autographs and game-used memorabilia cards, as well as cards focused on key moments and achievements. Topps will produce both U.S. and Japan-based products. Spurred by Ohtani’s wide popularity, the Japanese card market is a growing market for both the hobby and Topps.
“I'm happy to be exclusively partnering with Topps to give fans unique cards and collectibles for seasons to come,” Ohtani said in a release from Topps.
Ohtani won the 2021 and 2023 AL MVP awards while playing for the LA Angels. He could win the NL MVP this year with 42 home runs and 95 RBI through August.
Ohtani joins L.A. Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto and former Japanese stars Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui and others on the Topps roster.
It also the second big deal for Fanatics Collectibles this year, following the January signing of NBA legend LeBron James.
“This is a momentous day in our brand’s history,” said David Leiner, president of trading cards at Fanatics Collectibles. “We aren’t just partners with Shohei—we’re big fans, both of everything he’s done on the field and how he represents the game off of it.”
“With this new, exclusive deal, Topps will continue to be innovative in our offerings with him, giving collectors product that’s never before been seen in the hobby, all while bringing them closer to this once-in-a-lifetime player.”
Topps’ previous non-exclusive partnership with Ohtani began in January of 2018.
