In a thrilling development for trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is making its way back to Topps. This exciting transition is happening thanks to a newly established exclusive multi-year agreement between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles. The collaboration, announced on Wednesday, brings Topps back into the fold as the producer of UFC trading cards. Topps previously held this position from 2009 to 2020, before Panini America took over for a brief three-year period.
The deal, which was expertly negotiated with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, is a pivotal moment for UFC collectibles. Fans can anticipate the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC as the first product from this renewed partnership. Set to be released on February 28, this release is sure to excite fans and collectors alike.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her enthusiasm about the reunion. She highlighted the vibrant market for UFC collectibles, driven by the sport’s intense popularity and the presence of standout athletes. This collaboration between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles aims to cater to the fervent UFC fanbase, giving them new ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also shared his excitement for the collaboration. He emphasized 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 has plans to leverage its Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform. Through athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters, they aim to deepen the connection between fans and fighters, ultimately enhancing the collecting experience.
In addition to the trading card partnership, UFC and Fanatics already have a productive partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. Fans can find a wide range of products both at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is poised to enhance the existing relationship, offering UFC enthusiasts an even broader selection of memorabilia and collectibles. This will undoubtedly provide fans with more ways to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The return of Topps as the producer of UFC trading cards is a momentous occasion for fans and collectors alike. With Fanatics Collectibles at the helm along with their commitment to innovation, the partnership promises to bring fresh and exciting opportunities to the world of UFC collectibles. From the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC release to the enhanced connection between fans and fighters, this renewed collaboration is set to ignite new levels of excitement and engagement in the UFC fanbase.
