In a thrilling turn of events for both trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, Topps has regained the UFC trading card license through a newly formed exclusive, multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles. This collaboration, officially announced on Wednesday, puts Topps back in the driver’s seat for producing UFC trading cards, a position it held from 2009 to 2020 before Panini America took over for a brief three-year period.
The importance of this deal cannot be overstated, as it serves as a pivotal moment for UFC collectibles. The first result of this renewed partnership will be the much-anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, slated for release on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her excitement about the reunion, emphasizing the vibrant market for UFC collectibles driven by the sport’s intense popularity and its roster of standout athletes. This collaboration aims to cater to the fervent UFC fanbase, offering new ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also conveyed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the immense popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors. He stated the company’s commitment to innovating and capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards. Fanatics Collectibles plans to utilize their Fanatics Live platform, known for its live breaking/commerce events, to promote the UFC trading card line. This platform will include athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters, providing an immersive experience for fans and collectors alike.
It is worth noting that UFC and Fanatics already have a successful partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. Fans can purchase UFC merchandise both at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is set to strengthen the existing relationship, offering UFC enthusiasts an even wider selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for the thrilling sport of mixed martial arts.
With Topps back in charge, fans can expect high-quality UFC trading cards that showcase the sport’s biggest moments and most beloved fighters. The partnership between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles promises to elevate the collectibles game by utilizing state-of-the-art printing techniques and including exclusive content in their trading card releases.
In conclusion, the reunion of Topps and the UFC trading card license represents an exciting chapter for both collectors and MMA fans. The upcoming releases under this partnership are sure to captivate enthusiasts and honor the sport’s rich history while also celebrating its current stars. With this collaboration, UFC collectibles reach new heights, and fans have yet another reason to celebrate their love for mixed martial arts.
