SCC Blog

Topp Pick: Greg Oden Signs Deal with Topps Trading Cards

Topps, an international marketer of collectible trading cards, announced today the signing of an endorsement contract with Ohio State center (and likely number one pick in the NBA Draft) Greg Oden.

There are several interesting subplots to this story.  The first is that this is the first of what’s sure to be many endorsement deals with Oden.  Oden signed a three-year contract worth a reported $3 million to become a spokesman for the Topps Company.   However, the other top prospect in this draft and sole competitor in the race to be the first player introduced by NBA commissioner David Stern in June’s draft, Kevin Durant, was the first of the two to ink a trading card deal.  Durant’s deal with Upper Deck was done early last week.  I’m curious.  Will Oden and Durant be competing in endorsement categories? 

The second is the interesting way in which Topps is promoting the announcement.  The company has decided to pair Oden with the basketball legend with whom Oden is most often compared, Celtic great Bill Russell.  The two big men will be featured on a commemorative card in the “first set” of cards released by the company for next year’s NBA season.  The card is sure to generate excitement among those in the trading card community.

The third intriguing aspect of the deal is that Topps will also help create Oden’s official Web site.  I’m not sure about the details relating to this component of the deal, but it seems like a pretty unique opportunity for Topps to help elevate their brand, particularly if Oden is as good as advertised.

Posted in Advertising, Endorsement, Marketing, Promotions |

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