In an industry-rocking move, Fanatics is set to dominate the world of sports collectibles even further by taking over the licensing rights for producing trading cards and stickers for the prestigious Premier League. This groundbreaking development is scheduled to kick in as the 2025/26 season unfolds, marking a pivotal moment in the realm of professional soccer memorabilia. The deal sees Fanatics replacing Panini, the current license holder whose term runs until May 2025.
Fanatics has been rapidly expanding its influence, having acquired the renowned Topps brand in January 2022. The company already boasts licensing rights to a myriad of prominent sports leagues and events, including heavyweights such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1, in addition to the Bundesliga and UEFA Club Competitions. With this latest agreement with the Premier League, Fanatics is primed to elevate its position in the European market significantly.
The Premier League stands as the pinnacle of professional soccer, hosting six of the world’s ten most valuable clubs and commanding a massive global fanbase. Consequently, the collaboration between the Premier League and Fanatics holds immense promise, with Premier League Chief Commercial Officer Will Brass expressing great enthusiasm for the partnership. Brass commended Fanatics for its innovative approach and successful track record in enhancing fan engagement through collectibles.
Speaking to ESPN, David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, outlined the company’s strategic vision to grow the trading card segment in Europe, a region traditionally more inclined towards sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized the Premier League’s keen interest in Fanatics not only for their collectibles expertise but also for their adept management of player relationships, exemplified by partnerships with star athletes like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Furthermore, Fanatics has solidified its presence in English football through e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and various Premier League clubs. This deeper integration into the fabric of English soccer sets the stage for a transformative shift in the collectibles landscape. Fans worldwide can anticipate a more immersive and expansive collecting experience once the new licensing agreement comes into effect at the onset of the 2025/26 season.
The synergy between Fanatics, a powerhouse in the sports collectibles realm, and the Premier League, a globally revered soccer entity, teases a future brimming with innovative and engaging memorabilia offerings. As the countdown to the 2025/26 season begins, enthusiasts across the globe eagerly await the unveiling of the exclusive Premier League trading cards and stickers that are sure to captivate fans and collectors alike.
