In a thrilling turn of events in the sports collectibles realm, Fanatics will be reinstated as the exclusive licensee for producing trading cards and stickers for the Premier League, the epitome of professional soccer, commencing from the 2025/26 season. This transfer of rights transpires five years post Fanatics losing the licensing deal to Panini, who is set to continue until May 2025.
Becoming a household name in the sports memorabilia domain, Fanatics acquired the illustrious Topps brand in January 2022 and currently boasts rights to numerous major sports leagues and events such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1, alongside the Bundesliga and UEFA Club Competitions. The resurgence into the Premier League magnifies Fanatics’ collection, drastically amplifying its presence in the European market.
Renowned for hosting six of the globe’s most valuable soccer clubs, the Premier League commands a massive global fan following, intensifying the potential ramifications of this strategic alliance. Will Brass, the Premier League’s Chief Commercial Officer, radiated excitement regarding the union, lauding Fanatics for its dedication to innovation and adeptness in elevating fan interactions through collectibles.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, divulged to ESPN the company’s blueprint to enrich the trading card sector in Europe, a domain traditionally monopolized by sticker acquisitions. Leiner accentuated the Premier League’s intrigue in Fanatics’ methodology not solely in the collectibles realm but also in the adept handling of player associations, pointing out collaborations with sports icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Moreover, Fanatics maintains robust e-commerce and licensed attire affiliations with The FA and numerous Premier League clubs, further embedding itself into the fabric of English football. This fresh contractual understanding pledges to revolutionize the collectibles landscape, bestowing global admirers with a more immersive and expansive collecting journey, set to unfold in the forthcoming 2025/26 season.