In a surprising turn of events within the sports collectibles universe, Fanatics has announced its resurgence in the Premier League realm by clinching the prized licensing rights to craft both trading cards and stickers for the revered soccer league, commencing from the 2025/26 season. This move marks a captivating shift as Fanatics dethrones Panini, the current license holder, who will retain its partnership with the league until May 2025.
Fanatics, known for its recent acquisition of the legendary Topps brand back in January 2022, has already secured rights to numerous prestigious sports entities such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1. In addition, Fanatics has inked deals with the Bundesliga and UEFA Club Competitions. This groundbreaking agreement with the Premier League is set to significantly amplify Fanatics’ already impressive portfolio, especially solidifying its presence in the European market.
The Premier League stands as the abode of six out of the top ten world’s most valuable soccer clubs, boasting a massive global fan base that will undoubtedly magnify the influence of this collaboration. Will Brass, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, conveyed his excitement about the partnership, hailing Fanatics for its dedication to innovation and its proven track record in elevating fan interaction through collectibles.
David Leiner, the President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, divulged to ESPN the company’s strategic intent to extend its footprint in the trading card sector across Europe, a landscape traditionally dominated by sticker collections. Leiner highlighted the Premier League’s keen interest in Fanatics’ unique approach to collectibles as well as the company’s adept handling of player relations, pointing to successful partnerships with renowned athletes like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Moreover, Fanatics has established solid e-commerce channels and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA (Football Association) and multiple Premier League clubs, deeply embedding itself in the fabric of English football culture. This fresh alliance is poised to revolutionize the collectibles arena, offering fans globally a more immersive and expansive collecting experience once the 2025/26 season kicks off. With Fanatics at the helm, the sports collectibles realm is certainly in for an exciting and game-changing ride.
