In a monumental shift within the sports collectibles realm, Fanatics is set to become the driving force behind trading cards and stickers for the Premier League from the 2025/26 season onwards. This move signifies a significant change as Fanatics takes the reins from Panini, who will retain the licensing rights until May 2025.
Having landed the prestigious Topps brand in January 2022, Fanatics has already established a strong presence in the sports licensing arena with rights to various renowned leagues and events such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1. Moreover, its current affiliations with the Bundesliga and UEFA Club Competitions have paved the way for this latest partnership with the Premier League, offering Fanatics a deeper foothold in the European market.
The Premier League, housing six of the globe’s top ten most valuable soccer clubs, boasts an immense worldwide fan base, making this collaboration potentially game-changing. Will Brass, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed his excitement about the venture, highlighting Fanatics’ reputation for innovation and its proven ability to elevate fan experiences through collectibles.
David Leiner, the President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, revealed to ESPN the company’s strategic vision to expand the trading card segment in Europe, a territory historically inclined towards sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized the Premier League’s interest in Fanatics’ noteworthiness in collectibles, as well as its adeptness in managing relationships with players, pointing out successful partnerships with sporting icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Beyond trading cards, Fanatics has solidified its presence in English football through e-commerce platforms and licensed apparel collaborations with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs. This comprehensive engagement within the sport’s ecosystem showcases Fanatics’ dedication to the soccer scene, promising an enriched and interactive collectibles experience for fans worldwide once the new licensing agreement takes effect in 2025.
This groundbreaking development is poised to redefine the landscape of soccer memorabilia collecting, offering enthusiasts a fresh and immersive way to engage with their favorite teams and players. Fanatics’ innovative strategies and commitment to enhancing fan interactions through collectibles are set to usher in a new era of fan engagement within the revered Premier League, setting the stage for a dynamic and captivating experience for all supporters.