I think that's what they call getting a dose of your own medicine. I've never cared much for Panini. I hated seeing Upper Deck, Topps and Fleer go away in 2010. I won't be sad to see Panini go. They're lazy and greedy imo. Honestly Fanatics probably won't be any different on the greed aspect, just hope they aren't as lazy. Upper Deck really needs to be granted a license. They are always innovating and top tier.
Hoping that Fanatics won't be lazy? They've already proved that they are, blotched Photoshopping of Topps Chrome Basketball, crooked numbers etc on jerseys etc etc... will only get worse as money is their only motivation.
Not only do they need to be sued for monopoly in baseball cards, but also for a monopoly in licensed sports gear in general. They are literally the official store for basically all of the major American sports leagues. Offering the same reskinned trash across all teams and sports. Case in point for the downside of their license exclusivity when it comes to Topps/Baseball cards effectively hurting the consumers: They are getting rid of Blaster/“value” boxes for Topps Chrome Update and reskinning it as a “Mega Box” so they can charge $50 for the $35 blaster box they sold just 2 months ago when Topps Chrome came out. Regular Chrome Monster Box: $65 for 42 cards and 12 guaranteed hits Regular Chrome Blaster Box: $35 for 28 cards and 7 guaranteed hits Chrome Update Mega Box: $50 for 28 cards and 12 guaranteed hits So, in essence, they are pushing out the more affordable products for consumers and replacing them with lower ROI options.
@@sportscardsedge Look no further than what EA has done to Madden or FIFA over the years…. Prices have continue to increase over time on their games and they have turned them into Live Service games that get little updates from year-to-year and basically only exist to sell microtransactions. I will never forget how pumped I was to get ESPN Football 2k5 for $20 instead of $50 for Madden and that was EA’s final straw. Bought up the licenses and have had no competition to drive any sort of development and improvement to their product for going on 20 years now…
I'm a lifelong loyal Topps buyer, but I hope Fanatics loses. The price of new packs is insane and I'm just about done with new products. I'll probably go vintage only next year.
It's sad that sports leagues would rather than a higher licencing fee to sell "exclusive" rights, instead of letting multiple companies licence and create competition in the market. Yes, it's less money for them, but would be better for their brands, the trading card market and the growth.
This really does feel like the 1970s all over again in a lot of ways. I don't like Panini products much, but the best era in terms of offerings and innovation was immediately after the junk wax era closed. I would love to see 3 licenses to create competition...hold it in check so we don't become the 2000s again, but there's got to be something to keep Fanatics in check or else the prices will continue to rise while innovation declines.
Imo, as a card collector, and as semi-smart human being, there's seems to be no way Topps/Fanatics can get away with producing Football/Basketball/Baseball cards with all the licenses... it's so obvious a monopoly the American government has to get involved.
I grew up collecting Topps, Donruss and Fleer. Even with Donruss and Fleer around, Topps was still the dominant player in the 80's and their product got very lazy and uninspiring. Fleer and Donruss started off with a freshness and didn't flood the market like Topps did, but by the late 80's even Donruss and Fleer's products got to be stale. That all changed when Upper Deck came along and blew away all 3 companies with their high quality stock. I was very opposed to the 1 company dominance and monopoly by Fanatics. I must admit that Fanatics improvements to the Topps product has been well received by most collectors including myself. That being said, I fear this 1 party rule and would love for Panini and possibly Upper Deck to be able to compete again as I firmly believe this healthy competition will be good for the industry and hobby market but the players and leagues really just care about being paid a handsome amount to destroy this competition. The players have long opposed a lack of competition by owners and teams, yet they fully support this lack of competition. Hypocritical
Producing cards based on an exclusive license on basketball cards is not a monopoly, but soing so in all three major US sports is pushing the limits. This degree of ownership has never been seen, but in other regulatory markets it is, so its a new frontier. I can't see Fanatics being able to hold all the licenses in basketball/baseball/football in America, but that inference is based on the past legislation, we'll see what happens 🥂
Competition is what we need. Prices have doubled or better in the last few years. Blasters have gone from 12 to 25 up to 40 dollars for base stuff. I quit buying it, it’s just not fun. It’s not even fun when you get a good pull, because it cost you so much to get there
Totally agree, I haven't bought retail or hobby since 2017, but I'm having a blast with singles! Like, one set I'm collecting is 'Historical Slams' set from Optic, and I'm getting them under $20 for parallels! That box is $250+ and that parallel is considered a 'secondary -> minor case hit' based on hit rate... being able to find deals and steals on the secondary market that will retain value over time is better than opening packs all day
Surprised by the constant hate towards Panini in comments here and other places. Topps have literally shown they are no different in there care factor towards collectors, pushing unlicensed product out for which Rubin criticised Panini for doing, said less redemptions, less parallels etc.... list can go on. I think the point that most miss is we need diversity in this Hobby, more manufacturers which will mean product innovation because there is competition... The 90s and the early 2000s were great, wide choice and variety. For those that wish death to Panini and are praising Topps, your not thinking about the future and happy with a monopoly within this Hobby that will eventually control everything, from grading, breaking, auction sites etc etc
These types of lawsuits usually trickle down and what they are really designed to do is get more eyes on the issue being fought out. This may go Fanatics way on the licensing front but they will definitely gain some unwanted attention from lawmakers. All it takes is one and MLB isn't untouchable.
@@sportscardsedgeThe problem is it created this junk wax era that nearly killed the hobby. In order to prevent such to happen again, MLB decided that only one company should have exclusive licensed rights to produce cards. MLB decided on Topps. Upper Deck went against the edict until Topps and the league threatened to sue them. Upper Deck backed down and stop producing cards. Other sports entities followed suit as well.
I have a bit more of a focus on baseball cards but I think you are right except it seems like the NFL has canceled paninis contract 3 years early to allow fanatics to start making NFL cards. I just hope we get away from exclusive contracts and have some competition
No, by technical definition they do not have a monopoly. If Panini was the only producer of every basketball card, all licensed and unlicensed cards would be under their brand. But, since there's other companies like Upper Deck and Leaf readily available in public in spaces line Walmart and your local hobby store (who pay for the privilege to sell the product) it is not a monopoly
Hopefully Fanatics loses all their rights because Michael Rubin was a huge Diddy supporter over the years. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on the list because he threw a lot of white parties just like Diddy.
I think that's what they call getting a dose of your own medicine. I've never cared much for Panini. I hated seeing Upper Deck, Topps and Fleer go away in 2010. I won't be sad to see Panini go. They're lazy and greedy imo. Honestly Fanatics probably won't be any different on the greed aspect, just hope they aren't as lazy. Upper Deck really needs to be granted a license. They are always innovating and top tier.
Totally agree! Would love to see upper deck come back!
Hoping that Fanatics won't be lazy? They've already proved that they are, blotched Photoshopping of Topps Chrome Basketball, crooked numbers etc on jerseys etc etc... will only get worse as money is their only motivation.
Who cares that's not the point. Fanatics has been a disaster.
Hate to break it to you, but if you hated Panini, which I hate too, Fanatics will be Panini on 1000x dose steroids.
Not only do they need to be sued for monopoly in baseball cards, but also for a monopoly in licensed sports gear in general. They are literally the official store for basically all of the major American sports leagues. Offering the same reskinned trash across all teams and sports.
Case in point for the downside of their license exclusivity when it comes to Topps/Baseball cards effectively hurting the consumers: They are getting rid of Blaster/“value” boxes for Topps Chrome Update and reskinning it as a “Mega Box” so they can charge $50 for the $35 blaster box they sold just 2 months ago when Topps Chrome came out.
Regular Chrome Monster Box: $65 for 42 cards and 12 guaranteed hits
Regular Chrome Blaster Box: $35 for 28 cards and 7 guaranteed hits
Chrome Update Mega Box: $50 for 28 cards and 12 guaranteed hits
So, in essence, they are pushing out the more affordable products for consumers and replacing them with lower ROI options.
Yes exactly this! Without competition in the market the fans will get screwed
@@sportscardsedge Look no further than what EA has done to Madden or FIFA over the years…. Prices have continue to increase over time on their games and they have turned them into Live Service games that get little updates from year-to-year and basically only exist to sell microtransactions.
I will never forget how pumped I was to get ESPN Football 2k5 for $20 instead of $50 for Madden and that was EA’s final straw. Bought up the licenses and have had no competition to drive any sort of development and improvement to their product for going on 20 years now…
They even own Mitchell & Ness
I'm a lifelong loyal Topps buyer, but I hope Fanatics loses. The price of new packs is insane and I'm just about done with new products. I'll probably go vintage only next year.
I agree! I have been vintage only for a while now
The exclusive card license was MLB's call so they will have to sue the league.
I'm going vintage and I'm seeing a lot of people say the same thing.
It's sad that sports leagues would rather than a higher licencing fee to sell "exclusive" rights, instead of letting multiple companies licence and create competition in the market.
Yes, it's less money for them, but would be better for their brands, the trading card market and the growth.
Greed can drive some bad decisions
Unfortunately, the junk wax era is what made this scenario today.
This really does feel like the 1970s all over again in a lot of ways. I don't like Panini products much, but the best era in terms of offerings and innovation was immediately after the junk wax era closed. I would love to see 3 licenses to create competition...hold it in check so we don't become the 2000s again, but there's got to be something to keep Fanatics in check or else the prices will continue to rise while innovation declines.
Well said. We need competition
Imo, as a card collector, and as semi-smart human being, there's seems to be no way Topps/Fanatics can get away with producing Football/Basketball/Baseball cards with all the licenses... it's so obvious a monopoly the American government has to get involved.
Yes. I see it the same way
I grew up collecting Topps, Donruss and Fleer. Even with Donruss and Fleer around, Topps was still the dominant player in the 80's and their product got very lazy and uninspiring. Fleer and Donruss started off with a freshness and didn't flood the market like Topps did, but by the late 80's even Donruss and Fleer's products got to be stale. That all changed when Upper Deck came along and blew away all 3 companies with their high quality stock. I was very opposed to the 1 company dominance and monopoly by Fanatics. I must admit that Fanatics improvements to the Topps product has been well received by most collectors including myself. That being said, I fear this 1 party rule and would love for Panini and possibly Upper Deck to be able to compete again as I firmly believe this healthy competition will be good for the industry and hobby market but the players and leagues really just care about being paid a handsome amount to destroy this competition. The players have long opposed a lack of competition by owners and teams, yet they fully support this lack of competition. Hypocritical
Yes bring back Upper Deck!
This one is tough. I hate Topps for their prices and value. And I hate that Panini makes 10+ versions of the same card.
I don’t disagree. But If rather have other companies competing for our money than a monopoly not trying hard
Poopini sure didn't seem to mind having a monopoly on basketball cards for the past 15 years.
Good point!
Producing cards based on an exclusive license on basketball cards is not a monopoly, but soing so in all three major US sports is pushing the limits. This degree of ownership has never been seen, but in other regulatory markets it is, so its a new frontier. I can't see Fanatics being able to hold all the licenses in basketball/baseball/football in America, but that inference is based on the past legislation, we'll see what happens 🥂
"Poopini" !
Just bring back Fleer, Skybox, and Upper Deck and I'll be fine. Nobody did it better, but I do realize their downfall was all by themselves.
The sad part is Fans/Topps will have 3 out of the 4 major sports leagues to themselves.
You didn’t mention fanatics monopoly in grading!
I thought PSA was owned by collectors universe not fanatics?
@ sorry, both owned by Collectors Holdings. Point being, grading is now pretty much a monopoly.
Competition is what we need. Prices have doubled or better in the last few years. Blasters have gone from 12 to 25 up to 40 dollars for base stuff. I quit buying it, it’s just not fun. It’s not even fun when you get a good pull, because it cost you so much to get there
Totally agree, I haven't bought retail or hobby since 2017, but I'm having a blast with singles! Like, one set I'm collecting is 'Historical Slams' set from Optic, and I'm getting them under $20 for parallels! That box is $250+ and that parallel is considered a 'secondary -> minor case hit' based on hit rate... being able to find deals and steals on the secondary market that will retain value over time is better than opening packs all day
Fanatics might win on this. In 1979 there was 1 company topps. Then a judge more card companies. Donruss, fleer.
I think the lesson from 1980 is that there needs to be competition not one monopoly
Both companies are greedy. Topps will over flood the market and drop value on everything
They sue them every three months.
Surprised by the constant hate towards Panini in comments here and other places. Topps have literally shown they are no different in there care factor towards collectors, pushing unlicensed product out for which Rubin criticised Panini for doing, said less redemptions, less parallels etc.... list can go on.
I think the point that most miss is we need diversity in this Hobby, more manufacturers which will mean product innovation because there is competition... The 90s and the early 2000s were great, wide choice and variety.
For those that wish death to Panini and are praising Topps, your not thinking about the future and happy with a monopoly within this Hobby that will eventually control everything, from grading, breaking, auction sites etc etc
Isn't this old? Or is this a new lawsuit in addition to the old one?
This is the October 2023 lawsuit which will take years to settle but I hadn’t covered it yet
Panini does the same thing right?
Yup. These are exclusive contracts seem to be bad for the hobby
They are not going to win this one. MLB insisted on one company with exclusive rights so they will have to sue the league as well.
I feel like Anti-monopoly laws would be prioritized over MLBs preferences. But we will see
These types of lawsuits usually trickle down and what they are really designed to do is get more eyes on the issue being fought out. This may go Fanatics way on the licensing front but they will definitely gain some unwanted attention from lawmakers. All it takes is one and MLB isn't untouchable.
It seems like in 1980 we went through the same thing and the result was to open up to more card manufacturers like Fleer and Donruss
@@sportscardsedgeThe problem is it created this junk wax era that nearly killed the hobby. In order to prevent such to happen again, MLB decided that only one company should have exclusive licensed rights to produce cards. MLB decided on Topps. Upper Deck went against the edict until Topps and the league threatened to sue them. Upper Deck backed down and stop producing cards. Other sports entities followed suit as well.
Seeing that MLB and the players union own stake in Fanatics what they did to Topps should be straight up illegal market manipulation.
Doesn't Poonini technically have a monopoly on NBA and NFL cards
I have a bit more of a focus on baseball cards but I think you are right except it seems like the NFL has canceled paninis contract 3 years early to allow fanatics to start making NFL cards. I just hope we get away from exclusive contracts and have some competition
No, by technical definition they do not have a monopoly. If Panini was the only producer of every basketball card, all licensed and unlicensed cards would be under their brand. But, since there's other companies like Upper Deck and Leaf readily available in public in spaces line Walmart and your local hobby store (who pay for the privilege to sell the product) it is not a monopoly
Is this a Joke? What Monopoly ?😉
Hahahaha “these aren’t the droids you are looking for!”
Hopefully Fanatics loses all their rights because Michael Rubin was a huge Diddy supporter over the years. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on the list because he threw a lot of white parties just like Diddy.
Topps stopped being innovative with baseball cards years ago. I welcome some competition, especially if Upper Deck is back in play.
I have a great video on the history of upper deck. Bring them back to baseball cards!
@@sportscardsedge I’ll check it out