In an exciting development for both trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, Topps has regained the UFC trading card license in a new partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. This exclusive multi-year agreement, announced on Wednesday, marks a significant moment for UFC collectibles and puts Topps back in the driver’s seat as the primary producer of UFC trading cards.
Previously, Topps held the UFC trading card license from 2009 to 2020, but it was then taken over by Panini America for a brief three-year period. Now, with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, Topps has reclaimed its position and is ready to release its first product under this renewed partnership – 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 excitement about the reunion, highlighting the growing market for UFC collectibles driven by the sport’s intense popularity and the star power of its athletes. This collaboration aims to cater to the passionate UFC fanbase, offering them new and exciting ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan also shared his enthusiasm, recognizing the immense popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors. He emphasized the company’s commitment to capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards and their dedication to innovation. Fanatics Collectibles plans to leverage their Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, to promote the UFC line. This will include athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters, deepening the connection between fans and the fighters themselves and enhancing the collecting experience.
It’s worth noting that UFC and Fanatics already have a successful partnership in the world of memorabilia and apparel, with products available at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is expected to strengthen this existing relationship, offering UFC enthusiasts an even broader selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The collaboration between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles signifies a significant shift in the UFC trading card landscape. With Topps back at the helm, fans can expect high-quality, sought-after trading cards featuring their favorite fighters. As the sport continues to evolve and capture the imagination of fans worldwide, the demand for UFC collectibles is expected to grow. Topps and Fanatics Collectibles are well-positioned to meet this demand, delivering unique and captivating collectibles that capture the essence of UFC and its athletes.
The return of Topps as the exclusive producer of UFC trading cards is a cause for celebration among collectors and fans. With new products on the horizon and an expanded partnership with Fanatics, the future of UFC collectibles looks brighter than ever. So get ready, fans, because the world of UFC trading cards is about to enter a thrilling new chapter.
