2015 Leaf Sportkings Multi-Sport Forum

Thanks for the info, Billy. I shall ask Admin nicely.

Spaz, I believe you're right about the licensing decisions by Leaf. I didn't know they are a different company. I noticed yesterday that they are based in Carrollton, Texas, in the DFW Metroplex and I thought that maybe they just hitched up the wagons and moved from up north to avoid some of the taxation businesses (and residents) have to put up with.

I guess we're officially in the New Age that Topps pioneered so many years ago by putting out unlicensed material. I will say that Leaf is trying to etch a mark in memorabilia and is doing a pretty good job with their art. I say that because if you compare the airbrushing Topps did to what is shown in the Leaf product the current product is more attractive. Granted technology allows for that, but I like Leaf's product - at least based on scans since I don't own any. They've certainly mastered the front of cards with their visual concepts. Now the backs are a tad better than Broder, though Broder does sometimes have basic stats on a bland background while I haven't seen stats on any of the Leaf cards I'm seeking. At least Leaf chose not to go the Panini route with cropping the front picture to use in the back. 

Spaz, on this line 

"Any current (or former) MLB players in Panini sets granted permission to Panini as individuals"

I don't think each player grants permission. The MLBPA has granted a license to Panini so all players who belong to the union should fall into that "permission". But yeah, no MLB license and it destorys the looks of the card. Not a fan of Panini designs as it is and the lack of logos and team names really detracts. What little I have of Panini baseball is FS/T 

I got a box of Panini Prizm baseball, and a box of Panini College (or maybe Draft) baseball for Christmas, and I really like both sets.  I think Panini makes some really nice looking cards.  I own very few (less than twenty) modern Leaf cards, but I have bid on some eBay auctions because their wrestling cards look awesome. I just haven't won one yet.  I like their modern update on the Sport Kings too.  My original collection had one vintage Sport Kings card in it ( Jim Londos, of course) and it was probably my favorite card I've ever owned.

You are correct on that for MLB, but retired players that aren't in the HOF are no longer part of the MLBPA. Once they retire, they can license themself. I believe they also have the option of staying in the MLBPA, but I'm not sure.

For Panini's NASCAR cards, they have to get permission from each individual or their team licensing agents. That's why they have no cards of Jeff Gordon except for the 2016 Prizm CL with a picture of the 16 drivers that made the Chase in 2015.