In a monumental turn of events for the sports collectibles realm, Fanatics is set to reclaim the licensing rights to create trading cards and stickers for the prestigious Premier League, the pinnacle of professional soccer, commencing from the 2025/26 season. This move marks a significant upheaval as Fanatics takes over from Panini, who will retain their partnership with the league until May 2025.
Having already acquired the iconic Topps brand in January 2022, Fanatics solidifies its position by currently holding rights to numerous key sports leagues and events, such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, Formula 1, Bundesliga, and UEFA Club Competitions. This newfound deal with the Premier League is poised to greatly strengthen Fanatics’ portfolio, particularly amplifying its presence in the European market.
The Premier League, boasting six of the world’s top ten most valuable soccer clubs, enjoys a massive global fanbase, further amplifying the potential significance of this collaboration. Will Brass, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting Fanatics’ dedication to innovation and its proven track record in elevating fan engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, the President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, shed light on the company’s strategy to expand the trading card sector in Europe, a region traditionally inclined towards sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized the Premier League’s keen interest in Fanatics’ approach not only to collectibles but also in their adept management of player relationships, pointing to successful partnerships with sporting icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Furthermore, Fanatics has established e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs, further embedding themselves into the tapestry of English football. This fresh agreement promises to reshape the collectibles landscape, offering fans worldwide a more immersive and expansive collecting experience once the 2025/26 season kicks off.
