STAMFORD, CT (Monday, December 11, 2000) — The XFL today named Topps as its exclusive trading card licensee.
Topps’ XFL product for the inaugural season is scheduled to hit retail shelves in March 2001, with premium-quality collector cards featuring players from each of the league’s eight teams, including popular autograph and authentic relic inserts. Topps will also produce cards featuring XFL cheerleaders.
“When you think of trading cards, you think of Topps,” said XFL President Basil V. DeVito, Jr. “Their products are and have always been first class, and we are excited to have their expertise to help us showcase our league in such an important way.”
Topps’ XFL collector cards will feature juiced-up graphics and “smash-mouth” action photography.
“When it comes to producing explosive, edge-of-your-seat entertainment, nobody does it better than the folks at the WWF,” said Ira Friedman, Topps VP/Publishing. “Add to the equation the primetime exposure and promotional support from NBC and it’s no surprise we’re thrilled with this opportunity.”
The XFL is jointly owned and operated by World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWF) and NBC. The XFL will be 100 percent competitive sport and will feature eight teams: the Chicago Enforcers, Birmingham Thunderbolts, Los Angeles Xtreme, Las Vegas Outlaws, Memphis Maniax, New York/New Jersey Hitmen, Orlando Rage and the San Francisco Demons.
The XFL’s inaugural season will kickoff on February 3, 2001 and will conclude with the championship game on April 21. XFL games will be televised nationally on NBC, UPN and TNN. For the complete XFL schedule go to XFL.com.
The Topps Company, Inc. is an international marketer of entertainment products, principally collectible trading cards, confections and sticker album collections. Founded in 1938, Topps created Bazooka bubble gum in1947 and marketed its first baseball cards in 1951.
