In a thrilling turn of events for the trading card community and mixed martial arts enthusiasts, the UFC trading card license is returning to Topps through a newly formed exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles. This groundbreaking collaboration, announced on Wednesday, marks Topps’ comeback as the leading producer of UFC trading cards, a position it held from 2009 to 2020 before briefly being taken over by Panini America.
The deal, masterfully negotiated with the assistance of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, signifies a pivotal moment for UFC collectibles. The first product to materialize from this renewed partnership will be the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, set to hit the shelves on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her enthusiasm about the reunion, recognizing the vibrant market for UFC collectibles fueled by the sport’s immense popularity and its exceptional athletes. This collaboration aims to cater to the passionate UFC fanbase, providing them with new opportunities to engage with the sport and their beloved fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, shares the excitement, highlighting the immense popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and the company’s dedication to 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 Collectibles plans to promote the UFC line by featuring athlete interviews and live card breaks with fighters. This innovative initiative seeks to deepen the connection between fans and fighters, enriching the overall collecting experience.
Additionally, UFC and Fanatics already enjoy a fruitful partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel, with products available both at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new collaboration with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is poised to strengthen the existing relationship, offering UFC enthusiasts an even wider selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The return of Topps as the exclusive producer of UFC trading cards brings with it a wealth of excitement and anticipation. Topps has a long-standing reputation for delivering top-quality trading cards, and their previous work on UFC trading cards garnered significant praise from collectors worldwide. With this reunion, fans can expect meticulously designed cards featuring their favorite fighters and showcasing memorable moments from the octagon.
The timing of the announcement ensures that excitement for the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC is already reaching fever pitch. Collectors and fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get their hands on this highly coveted collection, which promises to deliver an outstanding array of base cards, autograph cards, and rare inserts featuring the sport’s biggest stars.
With this exclusive partnership between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles, the future of UFC trading cards shines even brighter. Both companies have proven track records in the world of collectibles, and their joint efforts are sure to create a dynamic and captivating line of UFC trading cards that will mesmerize fans and collectors alike. UFC enthusiasts can look forward to an unparalleled collection that not only honors the sport’s past but also celebrates its present and future.
In conclusion, the news of Topps reclaiming the UFC trading card license through a collaboration with Fanatics Collectibles is a thrilling development for the trading card community and passionate UFC fans. With the upcoming release of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, collectors and enthusiasts alike can eagerly anticipate an exhilarating line of trading cards showcasing their favorite mixed martial artists and capturing the essence of the sport.
