It is highly likely that Topps will continue to make baseball cards in 2024. Topps has been the leading manufacturer and distributor of baseball cards for decades, with a rich history dating back to the 1950s. While nothing is ever guaranteed so far in advance, there are several reasons to expect Topps will maintain their baseball card business three years from now.
To begin, Topps remains the exclusive license holder from Major League Baseball for physical baseball cards sold in packs, boxes and related products. Their deal is set to run through 2025 after recently extending the partnership. Maintaining the MLB license is crucial for Topps, as it allows them exclusive access to team logos, uniforms and player likenesses and statistics. Without the license, Topps would struggle to produce a baseball card product. The recent contract extension indicates both parties expect their relationship to continue through at least 2025.
Financially, baseball cards also remain an important and profitable business for Topps. While digital platforms have become a bigger part of their portfolio in recent years, physical cards still account for a significant portion of overall revenue. In 2021, Topps reported baseball card sales of $450 million. While sales have declined some from their peak, baseball cards are still a core product fueling Topps’ business. As long as demand remains strong from collectors and fans, Topps will see baseball cards as a smart place to stay invested.
Another factor working in Topps’ favor is a lack of serious competition within the baseball card market. While smaller manufacturers exist, Topps is dominant with around 80-90% market share. Their exclusive MLB deal and vast distribution/retail network gives them a huge advantage competitors can’t match. No other company has shown they could realistically challenge and displace Topps at this point. With no major threats on the horizon, Topps is unlikely to relinquish their leading baseball card position.
The overall sports card market has also demonstrated continued stability and growth potential out towards 2024 and beyond. Collectibles in general have proven recession-resistant, with younger generations joining the hobby amid rising nostalgia and interest each year. Average sales prices for classic vintage cards and new rookie stars keep increasing as well. This positive industry environment suggests baseball cards will remain a collectible investors and fans want to buy three years from now.
Looking specifically at 2024, that year’s regular season will mark the 150th anniversary of professional baseball. This important milestone is sure to drive increased excitement, promotions, nostalgia and collector interest across the entire baseball ecosystem. As the longstanding leader in baseball cards, Topps will be well-positioned to leverage special products commemorating this historic anniversary event. The 150th season provides another data point indicating ongoing baseball card opportunities.
A final consideration is the lack of any looming MLB television or digital media contracts that could impact Topps’ baseball card business in 2024. Their exclusive license does not expire until 2025, so Topps can focus on baseball card operations without disruption from those types of negotiations. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Topps has a clear runway to 2024 where they hold all the advantages in the baseball card market.
While impossible to say definitively so far in advance, Topps’ exclusive MLB relationship, financial dependence on baseball cards as a core product, lack of competitors, continued collector demand and interest, positive sports collectibles industry momentum and the significant MLB 150th anniversary all portend Topps will very likely still be producing baseball cards successfully in 2024. Their vast experience and dominance in the space also give Topps plenty of flexibility to navigate unexpected challenges in the interim. For these reasons, it’s a very safe bet Topps will maintain their legendary baseball card presence three years from now.
