Sports Card News

Fanatics, a prominent player in the digital sports merchandise market, has made an intriguing addition to its Board of Directors – Trevor Edwards. This seasoned professional, hailed for his remarkable contributions during his tenure at Nike, Inc., is set to bring a wealth of experience in brand development and international market expansion to the table.

As the President of Nike from 2013 to 2018, Edwards played a pivotal role in shaping the global trajectory of the renowned sports brand. Holding various significant positions over his 25-year career at Nike, including Executive Vice President of Global Category and Brand Management, Edwards was instrumental in solidifying Nike’s position as a powerhouse in the sports industry. His strategic acumen and leadership have left an indelible mark on the brand’s legacy.

Apart from his new role at Fanatics, Edwards also serves on the boards of Funko Inc., known for its collectibles and toys, and VF Corporation, a global giant in the apparel and footwear sector. This rich tapestry of experience further cements his reputation as a strategic powerhouse in the business world.

Michael Rubin, the Founder and CEO of Fanatics, expressed his excitement about welcoming Trevor Edwards on board, emphasizing the synergies between Edwards’ expertise and the company’s mission. Edwards’ proven track record in building global brands with a consumer-centric approach aligns seamlessly with Fanatics’ vision of revolutionizing the fan experience worldwide.

Edwards’ deep-rooted understanding of the sports industry and his knack for direct-to-consumer initiatives are poised to be instrumental in Fanatics’ pursuit of becoming the premier digital sports platform globally. His dedication to enhancing the consumer experience promises to be a driving force behind the company’s strides in innovation and growth.

In his own words, Edwards expressed his enthusiasm about joining Fanatics at a transformative phase, noting the compelling vision of Michael Rubin and the entire team to redefine the fan experience on a global scale. His eagerness to contribute to this journey underscores his commitment to amplifying Fanatics’ impact in the digital sports realm.

The appointment of Trevor Edwards to Fanatics’ Board marks a strategic move aimed at propelling the company’s growth trajectory and enriching the global fan experience. With his leadership acumen and industry insights, Edwards is poised to be a key player in steering Fanatics towards continued success and dominance in the digital sports landscape.

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In a major power play in the sports card industry, Burbank Sportscards has struck an exclusive partnership with Fanatics Collect, the newly minted platform, to showcase its massive collection of 40 million sports cards. This groundbreaking deal, coming just 11 days after the official launch of Fanatics Collect, is anticipated to be one of the headline acts at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention.

Renowned for its dominant presence on eBay since 2003 with a staggering 6.8 million items sold, Burbank Sportscards has further solidified its position in the market by trading another 7.2 million cards through the Beckett Marketplace since 1999. With such a robust track record, it is no wonder Burbank Sportscards is considered a heavyweight in the realm of card trading.

Chris Lamontagne, the president of Fanatics Collect, expressed his excitement about collaborating with Burbank Sportscards, highlighting the pivotal role Rob Veres, the shop’s owner, plays in this strategic move. Lamontagne shared his awe after visiting Burbank Sportscards, stating that there was an undeniable feeling that a partnership was imperative, given Burbank’s exceptional reputation in the industry.

For Veres, the collaboration with Fanatics Collect signifies a golden opportunity to expand the horizons of his business. The strategic plan is to list trading cards not only on the new platform but also on Fanatics team shops alongside popular merchandise like caps and jerseys, ensuring a comprehensive representation of players and teams in the market.

The decision to shift towards Fanatics Collect was not taken lightly, as it meant moving away from the familiarity and comfort of eBay, a significant revenue source for Burbank Sportscards. Despite the daunting prospect of this shift, Veres acknowledged the need for a leap of faith in seizing this new opportunity for growth and diversification.

Preparing for this monumental transition, Burbank Sportscards is gearing up to relocate to a spacious 14,000-square-foot facility. This new establishment will feature in-store kiosks that enable customers to order cards on-demand, accessing a vast stockpile of 25 million cards that can be promptly retrieved by the staff.

The immediate challenge at hand for Burbank Sportscards is to seamlessly integrate its colossal inventory of 40 million cards into the Fanatics Collect platform. Leveraging its sophisticated in-house inventory system, Burbank aims to swiftly start listing cards on the platform within the next month. Initially, cards purchased in-store are set to remain exclusive to Burbank for a brief period before transitioning onto Fanatics Collect.

Unlike other sellers who have cards shipped by Fanatics, Burbank will be responsible for handling its fulfillment operations. Anticipating a surge in demand, Veres envisions expanding his current team of 25 retail and e-commerce staff to 50 within six months to meet the burgeoning needs of the market.

Confident in this strategic move, Veres sees a plethora of opportunities ahead, including the prospect of curated card drops on the platform and active participation in upcoming Fanatics events. This newfound collaboration with Fanatics Collect provides Burbank Sportscards with an unprecedented platform for unlimited growth and market visibility.

Both Burbank Sportscards and Fanatics Collect view this exclusive partnership as a long-term commitment with ambitious goals. Fanatics aims to attract and retain new clientele, while Veres is keen on driving continuous sales growth. In addition to expanding its selection of millions of low-end cards, Burbank is poised to augment its inventory with high-end cards on the platform, thereby extending its market outreach to a global audience of sports enthusiasts.

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Ah, the bittersweet world of sports card redemptions—promises of greatness delayed by the need to wait for that one special card. But fear not, collectors! Panini has a sparkling surprise in store for those who have been patient recipients of lackluster redemptions.

Enter the 2023 Mosaic NFL Customer Service Sparkle Pack, a glitzy gesture from Panini designed to brighten up your day and your card collection. Inside this shimmering pack, you’ll find three cards that are sure to dazzle even the most jaded collector.

First up, you’ll receive not one, but two limited edition Red Sparkle parallels. While unnumbered, these cards pack enough glitter to rival a disco ball, making them a flashy addition to any collection. Say goodbye to that empty spot in your binder and hello to some much-needed sparkle.

But the real gem of the pack is the third card—a numbered Sparkle parallel that is sure to elevate your collection to new heights. Here’s a taste of what you might uncover:

– Blue Sparkle parallel – Numbered to 96: A solid hit that adds a touch of excitement to your collection.

– Gold Sparkle parallel – Numbered to 24: Now we’re talking! This card brings a sense of exclusivity and luxury.

– Green Sparkle parallel – Numbered to 8: The rarest of the rare, this card is a true collector’s dream.

And if that wasn’t enough, you might also stumble upon one of Mosaic’s signature inserts, such as NFL Debut, Hall of Fame, or National Pride. Consider it the cherry on top of an already delicious ice cream sundae—a delightful surprise that adds extra value to your pack.

So, if you’ve been patiently waiting for a lackluster redemption card, the Panini Sparkle Pack is here to save the day. Let the sparkle of these limited edition cards bring some much-needed joy to your collection and remind you that even in the world of sports card collecting, there’s always a chance for a little bit of magic.

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Attention all sports enthusiasts! Fanatics Fest has descended upon the Javits Center in New York City, transforming it into the ultimate destination for anyone who lives and breathes sports. As the event kicks off, it promises a plethora of activities catering to passionate fans, dedicated collectors, and anyone seeking an unforgettable sports experience.

Fanatics Fest isn’t your run-of-the-mill sports event; it’s a full-fledged celebration of sports culture. The festival seamlessly weaves together fans, athletes, and collectors, offering an epic weekend filled with excitement, fun, and exclusive opportunities. Spanning several days, this extravaganza is designed to evoke the joy and wonder that sports bring to life.

Upon entering the Javits Center, attendees are greeted by a treasure trove of sports memorabilia. From iconic jerseys to rare collectibles, the exhibits showcase pivotal moments and items from the annals of sports history. Whether you’re there to admire these treasures or to add to your own collection, Fanatics Fest is a mecca for all things sports memorabilia.

But wait, there’s more! Fanatics Fest goes beyond mere displays, aiming to forge connections between fans and their beloved sports and athletes. Throughout the event, attendees have the unique opportunity to meet renowned sports figures during live autograph sessions and engaging panel discussions. It’s a rare chance to interact with your idols and perhaps secure their coveted signatures.

For those inclined towards interactive experiences, the festival offers a plethora of games and challenges to showcase your sporting prowess. Whether you’re showcasing your shooting skills on the hoops, testing your arm in a throwing challenge, or engaging in a sports trivia battle, there’s ample fun to be had. It’s the perfect occasion to dive headfirst into the sports you love and, who knows, perhaps even clinch some well-deserved bragging rights.

And let’s not overlook the exclusive merchandise! Fanatics Fest serves as a hotspot for scoring limited-edition gear and collectibles that are hard to come by elsewhere. Whether you’re on the hunt for autographed memorabilia, unique apparel, or simply a special memento to memorialize the event, the festival has you covered.

Fanatics Fest is set to welcome attendees today, whether you’re planning a weekend immersed in the festivities or just popping in for a few hours. This event is a must-visit for any sports enthusiast, offering a gateway to a world of sports like never before. Dive into the excitement at the Javits Center, relish the unique sports experience offered only by Fanatics Fest, and become a part of this truly exceptional celebration!

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Hold onto your hats, baseball aficionados, because Aaron Judge has just cemented his spot in the coveted 300 Home Run Club! The powerhouse player, known for his awe-inspiring hits that seem to defy gravity, has reached a significant milestone by launching his 300th career home run. To celebrate this monumental achievement in the realm of baseball, Topps has orchestrated an ingenious plan to grant fans access to a tangible piece of this historic event.

In an unprecedented move, Topps has acquired the game-used base where Aaron Judge’s 300th home run occurred. However, this isn’t simply a relic to be enshrined in secrecy. Topps is taking it a step further by dividing the base into fragments and embedding these fragments into exclusive trading cards. This means that fans and collectors alike will have the opportunity to possess a physical fragment of the very base where Aaron Judge’s cleats made contact after launching that colossal shot. It’s not just a piece of memorabilia; it’s a tangible link to a moment that will be forever etched in baseball history.

Picture the excitement of opening a pack of cards and uncovering a fragment of the actual base from Aaron Judge’s milestone home run. It’s akin to stumbling upon a rare and precious gem, except this gem encapsulates the grandeur of baseball excellence. Each card containing a part of this base serves as a miniature time capsule, connecting the holder directly to the instant when Judge unleashed that monumental hit, propelling the ball into the stands and the annals of sports records.

Topps has a proven track record of transforming extraordinary sports occurrences into coveted collectibles, and this initiative is no exception. Whether you bleed pinstripes as a devoted Yankees enthusiast, idolize Aaron Judge, or simply revel in the thrill of the hunt for remarkable memorabilia, these cards stand as the quintessential addition to any collection. It’s not every day that you’re presented with the chance to own a fragment of the field where history was written.

If you’ve ever yearned to be a part of something momentous, something legendary, the time is now. The game-used base cards from Aaron Judge’s 300th home run are currently up for grabs, but haste is advised. Opportunities like these are fleeting, and once they vanish, they’re gone in the blink of an eye. Seize the moment, tear into those packs, and who knows? You might find yourself clutching a segment of baseball immortality.

Embrace the essence of the game, lay claim to a portion of history, and always bear in mind that with Topps, the excitement lies within the cards!

Visit Topps directly to secure your slice of baseball lore.

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Belk, a renowned retailer, has forged a new alliance with Fanatics, a prominent digital sports platform and leading provider of licensed sports merchandise. This strategic collaboration aims to elevate Belk’s product range by granting customers direct access to a diverse selection of licensed sports gear available from Fanatics.

In this mutually beneficial partnership, Belk will manage the online shopping interface on its website and app, while Fanatics will take charge of fulfilling and shipping orders. This synergy ensures a smooth and hassle-free shopping journey for customers, enabling them to explore an expanded collection of sports merchandise seamlessly.

MaryAnne Morin, President and Chief Merchandising Officer at Belk, expressed, “Our customers take great pride in displaying their team allegiances, whether for college or professional teams. This partnership with Fanatics is a win-win for our customers as it allows us to further broaden our existing range of licensed sports fan gear, offering an even greater diversity of product categories.”

Through this collaboration, Belk patrons can now peruse a substantial portion of Fanatics’ inventory, featuring licensed merchandise for various teams and athletes across premier leagues and sports properties. The assortment encompasses a wide array of apparel, jerseys, headwear, and other fan essentials from renowned brands like Nike, adidas, Mitchell & Ness, New Era, and Fanatics’ own label. Initially, the focus on Belk.com will be NCAA fan gear, with offerings from other leagues set to be introduced as their respective seasons near.

Brian Swallow, Fanatics’ SVP of Strategy and Corporate Development, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Fanatics is excited to collaborate with Belk and curate a selection of licensed sports merchandise catering to its sports-loving customer base. This enhanced shopping experience will significantly broaden the fan gear choices available, showcasing a plethora of high-quality products, designs, and brands while maintaining an online interface consistent with what Belk’s shoppers are accustomed to.”

This alliance signifies a notable advancement for both companies, granting Belk customers an enhanced shopping experience with a wider array of licensed sports merchandise to choose from, all while benefiting from the convenience of Belk’s established online platform. The partnership between Belk and Fanatics embodies a synergy that promises sports enthusiasts an enriching and seamless shopping journey for all their licensed sports merchandise needs.

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The Football Association (FA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its global presence in merchandise sales by renewing and expanding its partnership with Fanatics, a leading digital sports platform. The decision to expand the collaboration follows a surge in merchandise sales, especially after the exceptional success of Euro 2024, where England merchandise set new records in popularity.

Fanatics will maintain its position as the holder of eCommerce rights with the FA, managing the official online England Store. In addition to this, Fanatics will oversee retail operations during England’s home games, domestic cup finals, and concerts at Wembley Stadium. The partnership has evolved to include a new role for Fanatics in sourcing licensees, ensuring top-tier merchandise across all FA product categories.

The growth in England Men’s and Women’s merchandise sales through the official online England Store and Wembley Stadium store drove the decision to expand the partnership. Fanatics has been instrumental in achieving various milestones since the partnership began in 2018, with the standout success being the record-breaking sales during Euro 2024. The launch of the 2024 kit also shattered previous records on its debut day.

James Gray, the Commercial Director at the Football Association, expressed his satisfaction with the renewed partnership, pointing out the significant growth across retail and merchandising channels. He highlighted the positive impact of this growth on the development of football at all levels, from grassroots to the professional game. Gray emphasized the FA’s commitment to providing fans with an exceptional shopping experience both online and in-person, offering a wide range of world-class merchandise for supporters worldwide.

The expanded partnership with Fanatics solidifies the company’s foothold in international football, with existing partnerships with major football associations such as the FFF, DFB, FIGC, RBFA, and AFA. Fanatics also serves as the official partner for UEFA in licensing, eCommerce, and event retail, managing online and event retail for Euro 2024.

Stephen Dowling, the International President of Fanatics, expressed his enthusiasm about the extended partnership, highlighting it as a privilege to serve fans of the iconic Three Lions and Lionesses teams. He acknowledged the high levels of fan optimism post successful tournaments and reiterated their commitment to bringing England fans closer to their favorite players and national teams.

This expanded partnership between the FA and Fanatics signals a new era in their relationship, promising enhanced experiences and products for England football fans worldwide. Fans can look forward to even greater engagement and access to merchandise that allows them to express their passion for the national teams, no matter where they are located.

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Buckle up, collectors, because this week is about to get a lot shinier with a lineup of Topps Chrome releases that will have you reaching for your wallet faster than you can say “refractor.” Topps is known for its high-quality cards, and this week’s offerings are no exception, covering a wide range of interests from sports to the galaxy far, far away.

Kicking things off is the highly anticipated 2024 Bowman Chrome release, scheduled for Wednesday at 12 PM EST. This classic set, known as the OG of shiny baseball cards, has been a favorite among prospecting enthusiasts since its debut in 1997. The set continues its tradition of featuring future Hall of Famers’ first autographs and comes with an exciting promise of two autographs per Hobby Box. With the price still to be announced, it’s time to start saving those pennies.

For the Star Wars fans out there, the 2024 Star Wars Chrome release is landing on the same day at 1 PM EST. Explore a galaxy far, far away with 10 cards per pack and 10 packs per box, including one guaranteed autograph in each Hobby box. Whether you’re a Jedi Master of card collecting or a padawan, this set is sure to bring the Force into your collection at a price of $109.99 per box.

Soccer aficionados have something to celebrate with the 2023/24 Topps Chrome UCC Sapphire release on Thursday at 12 PM EST. This shiny set features 4 cards per pack and 8 packs per box, with each box containing a coveted autograph. Priced at $429.99 for Hobby boxes, this set promises to bring the best of the beautiful game to collectors who appreciate the sport’s finesse.

Basketball fans, rejoice! The 2024 Overtime Elite Chrome release is making its debut on Wednesday at 1 PM EST. Priced at $59.99 per box, this set offers 8 cards per pack and 12 packs per box, with two autographs awaiting lucky collectors. Whether you’re chasing the next big thing in hoops or simply love the game, this release is a slam dunk for your collection.

And let’s not forget about the daily excitement of Topps Now, where collectors can expect new releases every day across various themes. It’s a fantastic way to keep the card-collecting journey fresh and exciting, with something new to discover regularly.

In conclusion, the Topps Chrome releases of the week offer something for every collector, whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a Star Wars aficionado. Get ready to unwrap shiny treasures and add some sparkle to your collection. May the hits be with you!

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Panini has spooked football card enthusiasts with the announcement of their Halloween-themed 2024 Score-a-Treat Football release. Bringing a festive flair to the collecting scene, these cards are not just for trick-or-treaters but are bound to entice collectors looking for something out of the ordinary.

The concept behind the 2024 Score-a-Treat Football set is to infuse the spirit of Halloween into the world of sports cards. Drawing inspiration from holiday-themed trading card releases like Pokémon’s Halloween packs, Panini has transformed its popular 2024 Score Football cards into a spooktacular delight. Similar to Topps’ baseball parallels, these Halloween cards offer a fresh take on familiar designs.

Featuring a 349-card checklist, the 2024 Score-a-Treat Football set includes 300 veteran players and 49 Rising Stars, all adorned with Halloween-inspired elements such as jack-o’-lanterns and cobwebs. Collectors will be delighted to discover unique parallels with themed borders like Pumpkins, Bats, and Trick or Treat, adding a touch of whimsy to their collections.

Each pack of Score-a-Treat Football comprises three cards, with 40 packs bundled together for a ghastly good time. Priced at just over $20 per bundle, these cards offer an accessible and enjoyable alternative to traditional Halloween treats.

Here’s an overview of the 2024 Score-a-Treat Football cards:

– Cards per pack: 3

– Packs per bundle: 40

– Set size: 349 cards

– Release date: August 2024 (subject to change)

Whether you’re a devoted collector or simply someone looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween, the 2024 Score-a-Treat Football release promises a unique and spirited experience. Embrace the excitement of the season with these affordable and entertaining cards that are sure to cast a spell on football card enthusiasts everywhere.

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