Panini, renowned for its sports trading cards, has ventured into the world of golf through an exclusive partnership with LIV Golf, announced recently. This groundbreaking deal signifies a significant expansion of Panini’s trading card portfolio, particularly into the realm of golf, granting the company exclusive rights to produce and distribute trading cards featuring LIV Golf’s talented players. While Panini has a history with golf cards dating back to the Donruss brand cards in the early ’80s, this collaboration marks a new chapter following Panini’s acquisition of Donruss.
The partnership with LIV Golf will see Panini innovate an entirely new line of golf trading card products, aiming to offer something distinctive to fans and collectors worldwide. The initial offerings by Panini will comprise physical trading cards, including match-worn memorabilia and player autographs. Notably, the first LIV Golf trading cards will be released under Panini’s esteemed Prizm and Impeccable brands, in addition to a real-time Panini Instant card program capturing highlights and memorable moments from tournaments and seasons, along with LIV Golf Team sets.
Featuring 54 players committed to LIV Golf for 2024, the tour—founded in 2022 and supported by Saudi Arabian backing—hosts a majority of its 14 stops outside the U.S., adding a unique team element to its 54-hole tournaments. Panini has wasted no time, already promoting the 2024 LIV team sets on its platform, indicating the swift progress of this partnership.
Expressing his enthusiasm, LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman emphasized the opportunity to introduce innovative products to a global audience of fans and collectors through the partnership with Panini. The collaboration aims to elevate the profiles of LIV Golf players and teams in the collectibles sphere, a sentiment echoed by Majesticks GC co-captain Ian Poulter, who expressed excitement about teaming up with a leading trading card brand.
Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America, highlighted the unique and innovative format of LIV Golf as a pivotal factor in establishing this partnership. Warsop believes that the team and league structure of LIV Golf bring new collectability aspects for fans. He sees LIV Golf’s appeal to younger audiences and its roster of world-class players as a perfect fit for Panini’s brand, setting the stage for a successful alliance that will cultivate a lasting fan base.
As Panini gears up to introduce this thrilling new line, LIV Golf features a roster of prominent players, including major championship winners and golf legends, ensuring an exciting product offering for golf enthusiasts and collectors. This partnership emerges as Upper Deck also prepares to launch its latest golf set featuring PGA Tour stars, signaling a surging interest in golf memorabilia and trading cards in the market.