In a move set to redefine the landscape of sports collectibles, Fanatics will takeover the licensing rights to produce trading cards and stickers for the renowned Premier League starting from the 2025/26 season. This transfer of rights marks a significant shift in the industry, as Fanatics prepares to reclaim its position as a key player in the world of sports memorabilia.
After a five-year partnership with Panini, whose contract with the league will run until May 2025, Fanatics is set to bring its unique flair and innovation to the world of Premier League collectibles. The acquisition of the iconic Topps brand in January 2022 has further solidified Fanatics’ position in the market, with existing rights to a plethora of major sports leagues and events, including the NBA, NFL, UFC, Formula 1, Bundesliga, and UEFA Club Competitions.
The Premier League, home to six of the world’s top ten most valuable soccer clubs, boasts a massive global following, making this collaboration with Fanatics even more impactful. Will Brass, Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed excitement about the venture, highlighting Fanatics’ dedication to innovation and their proven ability to enhance fan engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, revealed to ESPN the company’s strategic intentions to expand the trading card market in Europe, a region traditionally inclined towards sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized the Premier League’s interest in Fanatics’ unique approach to collectibles, as well as the company’s successful management of player relationships, exemplified by partnerships with sports icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Moreover, beyond trading cards, Fanatics also holds e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and numerous Premier League clubs, solidifying its presence within English football. This latest agreement is poised to reshape the collectibles landscape, promising fans worldwide a more dynamic, immersive, and extensive collecting experience when the 2025/26 season kicks off.
Fanatics’ entrance into the Premier League card and sticker licensing arena is set to inject a fresh perspective and innovative ideas into the market, catering to the diverse and widespread fanbase of one of the most prestigious soccer leagues in the world. As collectors and enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the new trading card and sticker collections, the stage is set for a dynamic and exciting era in the realm of sports memorabilia.
