The deal, which was widely reported to be worth about $500 million, brings Topps’ sports and entertainment businesses to Fanatics, just five months after the loss of its Major League Baseball license blew up a planned SPAC merger. Fanatics outbid Topps for both the MLB and MLB Players Association trading card licenses at the time, but now gains control of them immediately, instead of waiting until Topps’ rights expire at the end of 2025 and 2022, respectively. Topps owner Tornante, which is controlled by Michael Eisner, will retain the bubble gum business that will be renamed Bazooka Joe. Sports and ... Log in to view full article.