In an exciting turn of events for both trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is returning to Topps. This comes as a result of a newly formed exclusive multi-year agreement between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles. The announcement of this collaboration on Wednesday has brought Topps back into the fold of producing UFC trading cards, a position it held from 2009 to 2020 until Panini America took over for a brief period of three years.
This deal, expertly negotiated with the assistance of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, marks a significant moment for UFC collectibles. The first product to be launched under this renewed partnership will be the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, set for release on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her enthusiasm about the reunion, emphasizing the thriving market for UFC collectibles driven by the sport’s immense popularity and its iconic athletes. This collaboration aims to cater to the passionate UFC fanbase, providing them with new avenues to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, shares the excitement, acknowledging the popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation and capturing the essence of the sport’s rising stars through their trading cards. Fanatics Collectibles plans to utilize its Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, to promote the UFC line through athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters. This initiative aims to deepen the connection between fans and fighters, enriching the overall collecting experience.
Furthermore, UFC and Fanatics already enjoy a successful partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel, with products available both at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is set to enhance the existing relationship, providing UFC enthusiasts with an even wider selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The return of Topps to the realm of UFC trading cards is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for collectors and fans alike. With their history of producing high-quality trading cards and capturing the essence of the sport, Topps is well-positioned to deliver an exceptional product that will resonate with the UFC community. The announcement of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC release has already ignited anticipation and anticipation is building for the new line of trading cards.
As the collaboration between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles develops further, fans can expect to see a range of exciting new trading card sets featuring current stars and future UFC champions. This partnership has the potential to bring the sport and its fighters even closer to their passionate fanbase, providing a unique and engaging way to connect with the sport that they love.
The reinstatement of Topps as the producer of UFC trading cards is indeed a significant moment in the world of collectibles. With their combined expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional products, Topps and Fanatics Collectibles are poised to create a memorable collecting experience for UFC fans worldwide. As the partnership unfolds, fans can look forward to an array of new and innovative ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through the world of trading cards.