In what can be described as a seismic shift in the world of sports collectibles, Fanatics is making significant waves in the industry once again. By clinching the licensing rights to produce trading cards and stickers for the prestigious Premier League, the sports memorabilia giant is set to take the soccer collectibles market by storm from the 2025/26 season onwards. This move marks a thrilling comeback for Fanatics, as it regains control from Panini, the current license holder, who will hold the rights until May 2025.
Fanatics, known for its acquisition of the iconic Topps brand at the beginning of 2022, has already established itself as a powerhouse in the collectibles sector by holding rights to various major sports leagues and events worldwide. From the NBA and NFL to the UFC and Formula 1, Fanatics has now added the Bundesliga and UEFA Club Competitions to its impressive roster. The addition of the Premier League only serves to strengthen Fanatics’ foothold in the European market, proving its commitment to global expansion and innovation in the collectibles space.
The Premier League, home to six of the world’s most valuable soccer clubs and boasting a massive global fanbase, presents a lucrative opportunity for Fanatics to engage with fans on a whole new level through this partnership. Will Brass, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting Fanatics’ innovative approach and its proven ability to enhance fan interactions through collectibles.
In an interview with ESPN, David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, shared insights into the company’s strategy to revolutionize the European trading card market, historically dominated by sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized the Premier League’s interest in Fanatics not only for its collectibles expertise but also for its unique player relationship management, pointing to successful partnerships with star athletes like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Apart from trading cards and stickers, Fanatics has also solidified its presence in English football through e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Fanatics’ commitment to becoming an integral part of the soccer ecosystem in England. With the new licensing deal set to reshape the collectibles landscape and provide fans worldwide with a more immersive and extensive collecting experience, the 2025/26 season promises to be an exciting time for soccer memorabilia enthusiasts.
