Topps, a division of Fanatics Collectibles, recently made waves by announcing a significant expansion of its partnership with Disney Consumer Products. This exciting development grants Topps the global rights to produce trading cards showcasing iconic characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. It’s a major milestone as Topps steps into the realm of global distribution for Marvel trading cards for the first time.
The cornerstone of this expanded deal with Disney is the continuation of Topps’ longstanding collaboration with the Star Wars franchise. A relationship that dates back to 1977, this partnership has been a source of joy for collectors over the decades.
The first fruit of this expanded partnership will be the launch of Topps Finest X-Men ’97 in the first quarter of 2025. This debut coincides with a resurgence of interest in the X-Men franchise and signifies a key moment for Topps as it ventures into global distribution of Marvel trading cards.
The expanded agreement between Topps and Disney encompasses both physical and digital trading cards for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises worldwide. While Topps has previously dabbled in digital collectibles through apps like Disney Collect! and Marvel Collect!, this partnership vastly broadens their physical product offerings, particularly in the United States.
Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to officially expand our relationship with Topps to bring storytelling from across our brands to card collecting enthusiasts around the world.”
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, shared his enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership, highlighting their joint dedication to enhancing the fan experience. He stated, “This new expansion and extension will help us continue to work with Disney Consumer Products to bring the best innovation in the hobby to collectors.”
Topps has a rich history of producing Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars trading cards in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region through Topps.com and local fan conventions. With this expanded agreement, Topps is now making a significant push into the U.S. market and other regions, aiming to combine Disney’s storytelling expertise with Topps’ collectible trading cards know-how to create innovative products that resonate with fans globally.
Collectors can anticipate an exciting array of new trading cards celebrating the magic of Disney, the creativity of Pixar, the thrill of Marvel superheroes, and the epic adventures of Star Wars. This collaboration is set to bring fresh designs, unique collectibles, and immersive experiences to the trading card hobby.
In conclusion, the expanded partnership between Topps and Disney Consumer Products marks a new era for trading card enthusiasts, offering unmatched access to some of the most beloved characters and stories in entertainment history.