In an exciting development for trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans alike, the UFC trading card license is transitioning back to Topps. This change comes as a result of a newly minted exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles. The collaboration, which was announced on Wednesday, restores Topps to its previous position as the producer of UFC trading cards, a role it held from 2009 to 2020 before Panini America took over for a brief three-year period.
The deal, skillfully negotiated with the assistance of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, marks a pivotal moment for UFC collectibles. The first product to emerge from this renewed partnership will be the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, set to release on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her enthusiasm about the reunion, highlighting the vibrant market for UFC collectibles driven by the sport’s intense popularity and its standout athletes. This collaboration is set to cater to the fervent UFC fanbase, offering them new avenues to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also shared in the excitement, emphasizing the popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and the company’s commitment to innovating and capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards. Fanatics Collectibles plans to leverage its Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, to promote the UFC line through athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters. This initiative aims to deepen the connection between fans and fighters, enriching the collecting experience.
Additionally, UFC and Fanatics already have a successful partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel, with products available both at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is poised to further enhance the existing relationship, offering UFC enthusiasts an even broader selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
With Topps back in the picture, collectors can look forward to the continuation of high-quality UFC trading cards that have become a staple in the collectibles market. Topps’ track record in producing visually stunning and highly sought-after trading cards for various sports gives fans confidence in the upcoming releases.
The renewed partnership between Topps, Fanatics Collectibles, and UFC promises not only an expanded lineup of trading cards but also exciting collaborations and innovations in the world of collectibles. With the shared commitment to providing fans with exceptional products and experiences, the future of UFC trading cards looks brighter than ever.
In conclusion, the reunion of Topps and UFC brings a wave of excitement to trading card enthusiasts and fans of mixed martial arts. This new agreement with Fanatics Collectibles marks a significant moment in the realm of UFC collectibles, offering enthusiasts an enhanced collecting experience with a wide range of memorabilia and trading cards.