In a game-changing move within the sports collectibles realm, Fanatics is set to take the reins for producing trading cards and stickers for the Premier League from the 2025/26 season onwards. This transition marks a pivotal moment, as Fanatics reclaims the licensing rights, which were previously held by Panini until May 2025.
Fanatics, known for its recent acquisition of the renowned Topps brand in January 2022, boasts an impressive portfolio that includes licensing agreements with various leading sports leagues and events such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, Formula 1, Bundesliga, and UEFA Club Competitions. With the addition of the Premier League, Fanatics is poised to significantly strengthen its presence in the European market, solidifying its position as a key player in the sports collectibles industry.
The Premier League, home to some of the wealthiest and most popular soccer clubs globally, enjoys a massive following worldwide, amplifying the potential impact of this collaboration. Will Brass, Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed great enthusiasm for the partnership, praising Fanatics for its dedication to innovation and proven track record in enhancing fan engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, revealed to ESPN the company’s strategic vision to expand the trading card segment in Europe, a region historically dominated by sticker collecting. Leiner highlighted the Premier League’s keen interest in Fanatics’ unique approach to collectibles, as well as the company’s adept management of player relationships, with notable partnerships featuring top athletes like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Moreover, Fanatics has established e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and several Premier League clubs, further embedding itself within the fabric of English football. This new collaboration between Fanatics and the Premier League is set to revolutionize the landscape of sports collectibles, offering fans around the globe a more immersive and expansive collecting experience once the 2025/26 season kicks off. Fans can anticipate a fresh wave of collectibles that capture the essence and excitement of the Premier League like never before.
