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Jay-Z, Dwyane Wade, Allen Iverson Sign With Topps
Jay-Z Signs With Topps
Topps announces it has struck a deal with CEO/President of Island/Def Jam and rap music icon Shawn ''Jay-Z'' Carter to appear in its basketball trading card products.
The deal grants Topps exclusive rights within the trading card category for all trading cards including insert cards, autographed cards, memorabilia cards and Jay-Z’s image use on packaging and advertising.
Jay-Z, multi-platinum selling artist, founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and part-owner of the New Jersey Nets, made his trading card debut in 2005-2006 Topps Basketball (released in August) where he is included as a Rookie Card, a Relic Card and an Autographed Card. Jay-Z also appears with Allen Iverson on the release’s box.
Jay-Z headlines a list of celebrities, including Carmen Electra, Shannon Elizabeth and Christie Brinkley, who have a rookie card in 2005-06 Topps Basketball.
''I am flattered and honored that Topps showed interest in brokering this unique deal and I’m very excited that this venture will support my charity,'' said Shawn ''Jay-Z'' Carter.''Topps' commitment to supporting disadvantaged youth makes this venture very worthwhile and allows the fund to continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.''
As the cornerstone of the partnership, Topps will make annual donations to the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund. Close to Jay-Z's heart, the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund was created in 2003, and is spearheaded by Jay-Z's mother Gloria Carter to provide disadvantaged youth, non-traditional High School graduates, GED recipients, and those who have been formerly incarcerated, an opportunity to fulfill their desire to attend college.
Allen Iverson Inks Exclusive Deal With The Topps Company
The Topps Company has announced that it has signed an exclusive trading card deal with NBA superstar Allen Iverson.
The deal grants New York City-based Topps exclusive rights within the NBA trading card category for autographed cards, memorabilia cards, insert cards and Iverson’s image use on packaging and advertising.
Iverson, a guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, is a six-time NBA All-Star for the Eastern Conference and was named league MVP in 2001. Last season, the electrifying playmaker led the NBA in points per game (30.7) and co-captained the U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team in Athens, Greece.
''Iverson has a major following in the basketball card category and his autographed cards are some of the most sought after in the industry,'' said Warren Friss, Topps Vice President. ''We are thrilled to be able to include him in our products.''
Iverson’s first autographed Topps cards were available in September via eTopps.com and were limited to just 150 copies. Iverson’s autographed cards also appear in the remainder of Topps 2005-06 Basketball products starting with Topps Big Game Collection, which was released in October.
Iverson currently appears on 2005-06 Topps Basketball packaging with Hip Hop icon Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. Iverson joins Jay-Z and baseball players Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez as Topps exclusives.
Dwyane Wade Teams With Topps
The Topps Company is pleased to announce that it has signed a multi-year exclusive spokesperson deal with one of the NBA’s star players, Dwyane Wade.
Over the last year, Wade has emerged as one of the most collectible basketball players in the trading card category as his superior on and off the court personality has resonated with fans and collectors alike. Wade’s trading cards have become some of the most sought after collectible items in the industry.
''It is an honor to partner with The Topps Company and their team of elite athletes and entertainers'', said Dwyane Wade.
The agreement, which comes on the heels of Topps announcing a spokesperson deal with Allen Iverson, grants Topps exclusive rights within the NBA trading card category for autographed cards, memorabilia cards and Wade’s image use on packaging and advertising.
''We are very excited to have one of the NBA’s brightest young stars under our umbrella of exclusives,'' said Warren Friss, Topps Vice President. ''Dwyane is an amazing player and we believe his trading cards will perform at the same level of his on-court game.''
Wade joins Allen Iverson, Hip Hop icon Shawn ''Jay-Z'' Carter and baseball players Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds as Topps exclusives.
Wade, a guard for the Miami Heat, is one of the NBA’s mega-stars. In only his second season, Wade helped lead the Heat to the 2005 Eastern Conference Finals averaging 27.4 points and 6.6 assists per game during the postseason stretch. The fifth overall pick of the 2003 Draft averaged 24.1 points and 6.8 assists per game in 77 contests last season.
''Topps made a major commitment to Dwyane and is dedicated to developing high quality trading card products,'' said Henry Thomas, Wade's Chicago-based agent at CSMG International, Ltd.
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| Additional items of Interest |
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TOPPS BRINGS “THE MICK” HOME
The Two Biggest Names In Baseball Cards Are Back Together Again See more.
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WWE IS BACK ON TOPPS
Topps Brings Wrestling To Its Successful Heritage Line See more.
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