In a move that will shake up the sports collectibles world, Fanatics has clinched the licensing rights to produce trading cards and stickers for the prestigious Premier League beginning with the 2025/26 season. This transfer of rights comes after a five-year reign by Panini, who will continue their association with the league until May 2025.
Fanatics, known for its recent acquisition of the renowned Topps brand in January 2022, already holds licenses for various prominent sports leagues and events, such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, Formula 1, Bundesliga, and UEFA Club Competitions. The agreement with the Premier League marks a significant milestone for Fanatics, solidifying its presence in the European market and enriching its diverse portfolio.
The Premier League, boasting six of the world’s top ten most valuable soccer clubs, enjoys a massive global fan following, making this partnership with Fanatics even more impactful. Will Brass, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting Fanatics’ reputation for innovation and its success in elevating fan engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, the President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, revealed details of the company’s strategic plans to expand the trading card sector in Europe, a region traditionally inclined towards sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized that the Premier League was drawn to Fanatics not only for its collectibles expertise but also for its adept management of player relationships, evidenced by collaborations with sports icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Moreover, Fanatics has established e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs, ingraining itself deeper into the tapestry of English football. This fresh partnership is set to reshape the collectibles arena, offering fans worldwide a more immersive and extensive collecting experience come the 2025/26 season.
