In combination with the news of the MLB lawsuit against Donruss, I find this very disturbing. I am glad that I'm not a big fan of the NBA and NBA sports collectables. I think all of us as collectors from several years back agreed there was too much product being put on the hobby market, but I viewed this as more of a company/manufacturing decision problem then a general market problem. I feel for some time now the major leaques and players associations of all sports have lost touch with the concept of the collecting hobby. My personal view is just plain old fashioned greed just as in our current economic situation. Even as early as last spring Upper Deck had made comments in their dealer promotional posters that essentially poked fun at the idea of products for the younger generation (which is the life blood of the hobby). They were obviously targeting products for the high end big dollar buyers - and we see what that has done to the hobby outlets - they are dying - in excess of 300 in 08 alone. A good example - my local shop did a promotion for the kids - games and give aways. UD had promised a lot but provided little. Donruss was not even one of his direct vendors, but their provision of giveaways put UD (his primary vendor) to shame. If this trend continues most of us will be scrambling for anything prior to 2008. Anything new will be for the very wealthy few - if even they stay as collectors. Thank you.

This is a real shame to hear. I have been collecting cards since I was a kid. I've memorized basically the entire Sport Collectors Digest Price Guide. I have never bought a card made by Panini in my life. It sounds more like a lunch to me than a card company. I have been an avid Topps and Upper Deck collector within the Basketball products. These are names I trust. If I receive an autographed insert, it is as good to me as a PSA certification. I have no desire to collect Panini brand anything. It is a shame that a United States based league's main producers of card collectables will be headquarted in Italy. If I do ever have the urge to buy new basketball card product, I surely hope I am not outpriced of my bugdet. Guess theres always the dwindling shows and online auctions to nab singles. I am certainly a creature of habit and do not look forward to the future state of basketball cards.

I think the NBA just shot itself in the foot. A number of dealers that I have talked to at shows have not stocked Basketball products for several years because there is not that much demand. If Topps and Upper Deck are taken out of the NBA equation, unless Panini- the card company (as opposed to the bread & cafe, which are good) produces a superior and affordable product, no one will care. Just the thought of those old stickers tells me no way will this be a quality product.

What goes around comes around for both Topps and Upper Deck. I have no pity for either of them. They brought this on themselves with their "elistis" attitude. They know it but won't admit it!

With this stupid decision to let Panini have the exclusive rights to NBA cards, I will not buy any more basketball cards, period! With the economic downturn, this is just another means of out sourcing American jobs to cheap foreign labor. I feel most sorry for the dealers who have to stock this crap and try to sell it. Panini's stickers were lousy and I'll bet the cards will be the same!

Robert Knapp, you are a huge dumbass. Why don't you give Panini a chance and actually produce some cards first before you make a decision. Of course, that would be the smart thing to do, which you aren't. The comment about cheap foreign labor is intriging because just as many foreign companies come to the U.S. (Toyota, Honda, and Sony are some examples) and CREATE jobs for AMERICANS. I guess we're stealing jobs from those people in those countries. Plus, if you would have read the actual interview you would have noticed that Panini is planning to have its American headquarters in New York, which would create jobs for... foreigners? No...it would be New Yorkers, yes that's right. And with Panini's recent purchase of Donruss Playoff LP they have already set up Panini America's headquarters down in Texas. So much for outsourcing you jackass. Get the information right before you post your ignorant opinions and look like a moron.