In a thrilling turn of events for trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, Topps is set to reclaim the UFC trading card license through an exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles. This exciting collaboration, facilitated with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, brings Topps back into the fold of producing UFC trading cards after a brief hiatus. From 2009 to 2020, Topps held the reins before Panini America took over for a short three-year period.
The significance of this deal cannot be overstated in the world of UFC collectibles. Fans can look forward to the first product of this renewed partnership, the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, which is scheduled for release on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her enthusiasm for the reunion by emphasizing the long-standing popularity of UFC collectibles and the passionate fanbase that drives the market. This collaboration aims to provide UFC fans with exciting new ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through unique collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also shared his excitement, acknowledging the immense popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors. Fanatics Collectibles is committed to innovating and capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards. Leveraging their Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking and commerce platform, Fanatics plans to promote the UFC trading card line through athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters. This initiative seeks to deepen the connection between fans and fighters, enhancing the overall collecting experience.
It is worth noting that UFC and Fanatics already have a successful partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. Fans can find a wide array of UFC products both at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new deal between Topps and Fanatics under the Fanatics umbrella is poised to enhance the existing relationship further, offering UFC enthusiasts an even broader selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The return of Topps as the provider of UFC trading cards marks an exciting chapter for both collectors and fans. With their history of producing high-quality trading cards and capturing the essence of combat sports, Topps is well-positioned to meet the demands of the ever-growing UFC market. This new partnership with Fanatics Collectibles promises a plethora of thrilling collectible options, ensuring that fans can truly immerse themselves in the world of UFC.
So, whether you’re an avid trading card collector or a die-hard UFC fan, get ready for the resurgence of Topps in the UFC trading card market. The future looks incredibly promising with this collaboration, as Topps, Fanatics Collectibles, and UFC aim to transform the way fans engage with the sport through their innovative and captivating collectibles.
