In the realm of sports collectibles, where excitement meets nostalgia, a seismic shift is set to reverberate. Fanatics, a powerhouse in the industry, is poised to take the reins of the Premier League’s trading card and sticker licensing, commencing from the 2025/26 season. This momentous development marks the resurgence of Fanatics in the field, as it reclaims the coveted rights from Panini, the current licensee expected to maintain operations until May 2025.
The acquisition comes on the heels of Fanatics’ acquisition of the venerable Topps brand in January 2022, cementing its status as a dominant force. With an already impressive array of partnerships with renowned sports leagues and events like the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1, along with the Bundesliga and UEFA Club Competitions, Fanatics is primed to exponentially expand its reach, particularly fortifying its position in the European market.
The Premier League, a pillar of professional soccer boasting six of the globe’s top ten most valuable football clubs, boasts a massive global following. This collaboration with Fanatics is poised to amplify the fan experience, with Premier League Chief Commercial Officer Will Brass expressing enthusiasm for the partnership. Brass lauded Fanatics for its innovative spirit and proven ability to enhance fan engagement through collectibles, hinting at an exciting future ahead for aficionados.
David Leiner, the President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, shed light on the company’s ambitious strategy to revolutionize the trading card culture in Europe, a region historically steeped in sticker collecting tradition. Leiner underscored the Premier League’s intrigue in Fanatics not only for their collectibles expertise but also for their adept management of player relationships, pointing to successful partnerships with icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr. as precursors of what lies ahead.
Fanatics’ existing e-commerce and licensed apparel collaborations with The FA and various Premier League clubs have already woven it deep into the fabric of English football. The new agreement, set to take effect in the 2025/26 season, promises to reshape the landscape of collectibles, offering fans worldwide a more immersive and expansive collecting journey. Brace yourself for a new era of collectibles, where the passion for sports converges with the thrill of acquisition, all under the dynamic stewardship of Fanatics.
