In a twist of fate in the sports memorabilia realm, Fanatics will be reclaiming the rights to create trading cards and stickers for the prestigious Premier League come the 2025/26 season. After a stint with Panini, who will hold onto these rights until May 2025, Fanatics is set to take the soccer collectibles scene by storm once again.
Fanatics, a powerhouse in the world of sports merchandise, made waves in January 2022 when it acquired the renowned Topps brand. With an already impressive roster of partnerships including the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1, as well as the Bundesliga and UEFA Club Competitions, this recent deal with the Premier League is poised to solidify Fanatics’ presence in the European market like never before.
The Premier League, boasting six of the top ten most valuable soccer clubs globally, commands a massive fan following across the world. This collaboration with Fanatics is anticipated to have a significant impact, not only on the collectibles market but also in enhancing fan engagement in the realm of soccer memorabilia. Premier League’s Chief Commercial Officer, Will Brass, expressed eagerness about the partnership, highlighting Fanatics’ innovative approach and its proven track record in elevating fan experience through collectibles.
David Leiner, the President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, shed light on the company’s strategic vision to expand the trading card sector in Europe, a region historically inclined towards sticker collections. Leiner emphasized the Premier League’s interest in Fanatics’ not just in the realm of collectibles but also in their adept handling of player relations, exemplified by their partnerships with sporting icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Beyond trading cards and stickers, Fanatics has also delved into e-commerce and licensed apparel collaborations with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs, further embedding themselves in the heart of English football culture. This latest agreement is poised to revolutionize the collectibles landscape, promising fans across the globe a more immersive, diverse, and engaging collectibles experience come the 2025/26 season.
