In a move that is set to shake up the sports collectibles industry, Fanatics has sealed the deal to obtain the licensing rights to create trading cards and stickers for the Premier League, the pinnacle of professional soccer, starting with the 2025/26 season. This shift comes after Fanatics lost the license to Panini, who will hold the rights until May 2025, marking a significant change in the landscape of sports memorabilia.
Fanatics, known for acquiring the iconic Topps brand in January 2022, has a stronghold on licensing agreements with various major sports leagues and events such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, Formula 1, Bundesliga, and UEFA Club Competitions. This new partnership with the Premier League is expected to elevate Fanatics’ standing in the European market, solidifying its position as a dominant player in the collectibles industry.
With the Premier League boasting six of the world’s top ten most valuable soccer clubs, the global fanbase of the league adds an extra layer of importance to this collaboration. Will Brass, the Premier League Chief Commercial Officer, expressed excitement over the prospects of working with Fanatics, emphasizing the company’s dedication to innovation and expertise in enhancing fan engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, the President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, revealed to ESPN the company’s strategic vision to grow the trading card sector in Europe, traditionally a stronghold for sticker collecting. Leiner pointed out the Premier League’s interest in Fanatics’ approach not only to collectibles but also in how the company handles player relationships, showcasing successful partnerships with prominent athletes like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Furthermore, beyond the trading card and sticker realm, Fanatics has established e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and numerous Premier League clubs, becoming more deeply intertwined with the essence of English football. This fresh agreement foreshadows a metamorphosis in the collectibles arena, offering fans worldwide a more immersive and expansive collecting experience come the 2025/26 season. Fans can expect a revolution in the way they engage with their favorite players and clubs through these new offerings from Fanatics.
