In a whirlwind of developments in the sports collectibles industry, Fanatics is set to revolutionize the world of Premier League trading cards and stickers starting from the 2025/26 season. This power move comes as Fanatics regains the coveted licensing rights from Panini, a significant player in the market, who will maintain their association with the Premier League until May 2025.
Famous for its acquisition of the renowned Topps brand earlier in 2022, Fanatics currently holds the rights to produce collectibles for various prestigious sports leagues and events such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, Formula 1, Bundesliga, and UEFA Club Competitions. With the Premier League now added to its impressive repertoire, Fanatics is poised to solidify its standing in the European market and beyond, strengthening its foothold in the sports collectibles domain.
The Premier League, boasting six of the top ten most valuable soccer clubs globally, commands a vast and loyal fanbase, amplifying the significance of this partnership. Will Brass, Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed his excitement about collaborating with Fanatics, highlighting the company’s innovative spirit and its proven track record in enhancing fan engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, shared insights with ESPN on the company’s strategic vision to revolutionize the trading card segment in Europe, a region predominantly devoted to sticker collecting. Leiner underscored the Premier League’s interest in Fanatics not just for its exceptional collectibles but also for its adept handling of player relations, demonstrating successful partnerships with sports icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Moreover, Fanatics has cultivated strong e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs, ingraining itself deeper into the illustrious tapestry of English football. This new licensing agreement is primed to reshape the collectibles landscape, promising fans worldwide a more immersive and comprehensive collecting experience come the 2025/26 season. Fanatics’ innovative approaches and dedication to enhancing fan engagement suggest exciting times ahead for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
