Panini America, the giant in sports and entertainment collectibles, has teamed up with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in a groundbreaking multi-year partnership. Known for its rapid growth and innovation in the sports industry, the PFL is poised to make a significant impact in the world of MMA trading cards through this collaboration.
The collaboration will see the introduction of a range of new and exciting products to the market. Kicking off the partnership is the launch of Panini Instant, a platform that provides real-time collectibles directly to MMA fans. Following this debut is the highly anticipated release of PFL Prizm later in the year, expected to be a standout product in the trading card category.
Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, recognizing the PFL’s global reach and potential to elevate the MMA trading card sector. By offering exclusive Panini products featuring PFL athletes and events, fans will have the opportunity to deepen their engagement with the sport.
Bryan Calka, CCO of the PFL, echoed Howarth’s excitement, praising Panini America’s expertise in collectibles. He emphasized the PFL’s dedication to delivering high-value experiences to MMA fans worldwide, which is set to be further enhanced through this collaboration.
One of the innovative aspects of this partnership is the introduction of digital trading card collectibles, including NFTs, catering to the evolving preferences of collectors embracing digital formats alongside physical cards.
The timing of this collaboration coincides with the upcoming events of the PFL’s 2024 Global Season, kicking off on June 13 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. With events in Salt Lake City and South Dakota following, fighters across six weight classes will compete for playoff spots and the coveted title of PFL World Champion, along with a $1 million prize.
Setting itself apart in the MMA world, the PFL operates on a sports-season format akin to major league sports, featuring regular season matches, playoffs, and a championship. Through innovative technologies like the SmartCage, offering advanced fight analytics and a cutting-edge viewing experience, the league is expanding globally with ventures like PFL Europe and PFL MENA.
Panini America, a subsidiary of the Panini Group based in Italy, brings over sixty years of experience in the collectibles industry and has established partnerships across various sports and entertainment sectors. With a vast global presence and a strong distribution network, Panini ensures that PFL trading cards will reach a wide audience, boosting the visibility and appeal of both brands in the collectibles market.
The partnership between Panini America and the Professional Fighters League is primed to reshape the sports memorabilia landscape, merging innovation with the thrilling realm of MMA. Fans can anticipate a diverse array of collectibles celebrating the dynamic essence of the sport and its athletes.
