Topps has announced its agreement to partner with Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani on an exclusive global trading card deal. The agreement, announced Thursday, will include autographed cards, game-used memorabilia, and moments and achievements from Ohtani’s career.
The collection will feature products based in the United States and Ohtani’s home nation, Japan, a growing market for Topps. The financial terms of the deal have yet to be released, but Fanatics president of trading cards David Leiner stated that it is a long-term deal similar to the one the company recently signed with NBA star LeBron James, which was estimated by CNBC to be around $5 million.
Ohtani said in a press release, “I’m happy to be exclusively partnering with Topps to give fans unique cards and collectibles for seasons to come.” The 30-year-old has become one of the biggest faces in Major League Baseball and continues to draw in fans with the release of collectibles.
On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted their second Ohtani bobblehead night, this time featuring Ohani holding his famous dog, Decoy. The bobblehead was handed out to the first 40,000 fans at Dodgers stadium. However, the Dodgers added a twist to the giveaway, handing out an undisclosed number of gold versions. Just hours after the giveaway, the gold Ohtani bobbleheads were seen up for auction, for over $10,000.
bro pic.twitter.com/6MgzMpimDf
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 29, 2024
During the game, Ohtani hit a lead-off homer and stole two bases, taking his total to 42 home runs and 42 SBs on the season. As the season winds down, the Japanese star is on the quest for the first 50-50 season in league history.
_____
WBN Shohei Ohtani Coverage: https://worldbaseball.com/?s=ohtani
Photo Credit: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and his dog Decoy delivers a ceremonial first before the game against the Baltimore Orioles on Shohei Ohtani #17 bobblehead giveaway night at Dodger Stadium on August 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
