Team USA Gets Exclusive Trading Cards From Topps

The U.S. Olympic Committee and Topps Company are teaming up to make the New York-based card company, founded in 1938, the exclusive trading card producer of Team USA for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Terms of the deal were not released.

Topps will issue its first Team USA offering in the spring of 2012 in preparation for the upcoming London Games. The collection will feature the country's top Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls, including Allyson Felix (track & field), Missy Franklin (swimming), Lolo Jones (track & field), Tatyana McFadden (Para track & field), Michael Phelps (swimming), Jerome Singleton (Para track & field), Hope Solo (soccer) and Jordyn Wieber (gymnastics).

"It is an honor for the company to commemorate the pinnacle of sports and this country's best athletes," said Doug Kruep, Topps GM of sports & entertainment. "We look forward to offering supporters of Team USA athletes a truly unique keepsake and collectible."

The Team USA collection is highlighted by the inclusion of 100 gold-medal hopeful cards - 40 of which feature authentic athlete-autographed special versions. The release will also celebrate past Team USA medalists, the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and their diverse sports and venues, and will include randomly inserted cards embedded with Olympic pins, patches and replica medals.

A portion of each purchase will go directly to supporting the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

"We are excited to partner with Topps' to highlight Team USA athletes ahead of the London Games," said Peter Zeytoonjian, USOC managing director of consumer products. "Trading cards are a great way to support and learn more about the amazing athletes who will represent Team USA in London next summer and, when the Games end, a great way to remember the athletes and moments that defined the competition."

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