10:24 PM
Sources familiar with the negotiations said Monday that a deal to acquire the trading cards of Topps is expected to be finalized Tuesday.
Sources said the deal includes both physical and digital items.
The news and financial terms of the agreement were not commented on by Fanatics.
The move was suspected for some time, specifically since August, when the MLB and the Players Association signed a deal with Fanatics to make baseball cards.
The MLB and MLBPA rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards will begin immediately after the deal is finalized.
The rights to bourgeoning hobby darlings such as Formula 1 and Major League Soccer have been granted to Topps.
The NBA, National Basketball Players Association, and the NFL Players Association have long-term rights deals with Fanatics.
