In an exciting development for trading card enthusiasts and MMA fans, the UFC trading card license is making its way back to Topps. This transition comes as part of an exclusive multi-year agreement between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles, bringing the popular trading card brand back to the forefront of the UFC collectibles market.
Topps, a familiar name in the world of trading cards, previously held the rights to produce UFC trading cards from 2009 to 2020. However, Panini America took over the license for a brief three-year period. Now, Topps is reclaiming its position as the leading producer of UFC trading cards, thanks to this new collaboration.
The deal, which was made possible with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, is seen as a significant moment for UFC collectibles. The partnership promises exciting new avenues for UFC fans to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
The first product to be released under this renewed partnership will be the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC. Anticipation is high among collectors for this release, which is set to hit the shelves on February 28. UFC fans can expect top-quality trading cards that capture the essence of the sport’s intense popularity and showcase the standout athletes that have made the UFC so exciting to watch.
Tracey Bleczinski, the Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her enthusiasm for the reunion between Topps and the UFC. She highlighted the vibrant market for UFC collectibles and the strong fanbase driven by the sport’s popularity. The collaboration with Fanatics Collectibles aims to cater to this passionate fanbase and offer them new and exciting ways to connect with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, the CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also shared in the excitement. He emphasized the popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and Fanatics’ commitment to innovation and capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards. 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, enhancing the connection between fans and fighters and enriching the overall collecting experience.
Furthermore, this collaboration between UFC, Fanatics, and Topps builds upon an existing productive partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. UFC fans can already find a wide range of products available at events and online through UFC Commerce. With the addition of Topps under the Fanatics umbrella, fans can expect an even broader selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
In conclusion, the return of Topps as the exclusive producer of UFC trading cards in collaboration with Fanatics Collectibles is a significant moment for both trading card enthusiasts and MMA fans. The partnership promises to offer UFC fans a wider range of collectibles to celebrate their love for the sport and their favorite fighters. With the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC set to hit the shelves soon, anticipation is high for what this renewed collaboration will bring. So, stay tuned for the exciting new trading cards and collectibles that will captivate UFC fans worldwide.
