Fanatics, the powerhouse in the sports collectibles industry, is set to make waves once again as it secures the licensing rights to produce trading cards and stickers for the prestigious Premier League from the 2025/26 season onwards. This move marks a significant shift in the landscape of soccer collectibles, with Fanatics reclaiming the spotlight from Panini, the current licensee set to conclude its agreement with the league in May 2025.
Having already acquired the renowned Topps brand in January 2022, Fanatics has been steadily expanding its portfolio, boasting licensing rights to various major sports leagues and events such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1. The addition of the Premier League to its repertoire is expected to further solidify Fanatics’ presence in the European market, signaling a new era of collectibles for soccer fans across the globe.
The Premier League, known for being home to six of the world’s top ten most valuable soccer clubs, boasts a massive global fanbase, making this partnership with Fanatics a strategic and lucrative move. Will Brass, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed excitement about the collaboration, citing Fanatics’ proven track record in enhancing fan engagement through innovative collectibles.
David Leiner, the President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, revealed the company’s ambitious plans to expand the trading card segment in Europe, a region where sticker collecting has traditionally been dominant. Leiner emphasized that the Premier League was drawn to Fanatics not only for its expertise in collectibles but also for its successful management of player relationships, evident in partnerships with notable athletes like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Apart from its trading card venture, Fanatics has also deepened its roots in English football through e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs. This newfound agreement with the Premier League is poised to revolutionize the collectibles landscape, offering fans an immersive and extensive collecting experience once the 2025/26 season kicks off.
With Fanatics at the helm, soccer enthusiasts can look forward to a fresh approach to collecting memorabilia, blending innovation with tradition to create a truly captivating experience for fans of the beautiful game. As the countdown to the 2025/26 season begins, the sports collectibles world eagerly anticipates the exciting possibilities that this groundbreaking partnership will bring to the forefront.
