In a seismic move within the sports memorabilia arena, Fanatics is set to revamp the trading card and sticker scene for the Premier League come 2025. This shift in power sees Fanatics reclaiming the rights to churn out trading cards and stickers for the premier professional soccer league, following Panini’s reign, which will persist until May 2025.
With the acquisition of the renowned Topps brand in January 2022 under its belt, Fanatics already boasts rights to a slew of major sports leagues and prestigious events encompassing the NBA, NFL, UFC, Formula 1, Bundesliga, and UEFA Club Competitions. The latest deal with the omnipotent Premier League is anticipated to markedly bolster Fanatics’ repertoire, notably amplifying its presence in the European market.
The Premier League stands as the abode of six of the world’s top ten most valuable soccer clubs, boasting a massive global following that augments the potential influence of this collaboration. Will Brass, the Premier League’s Chief Commercial Officer, voiced excitement regarding the partnership, lauding Fanatics’ commitment to pioneering advancements and its proven track record in elevating supporter engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, Fanatics Collectibles’ President of Trading Cards, revealed in discussions with ESPN the company’s game plan to proliferate the trading card sphere in Europe, a region traditionally steeped in sticker collection culture. Leiner underscored the Premier League’s intrigue in Fanatics’ approach not only to collectibles but also in the company’s adept management of player relations, highlighting partnerships with star athletes the likes of Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Moreover, Fanatics has solidified its foothold in English football by fostering e-commerce and licensed apparel collaborations with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs, ingraining itself more deeply into the tapestry of the sport. This fresh accord promises a paradigm shift in the collectibles landscape, furnishing fans worldwide with a more immersive and expansive collecting experience commencing in the 2025/26 season.
