In an exciting turn of events for both trading card collectors and mixed martial arts enthusiasts, the UFC trading card license is making its way back to Topps. Through an exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles, Topps has regained its position as the leading producer of UFC trading cards. Previously holding the license from 2009 to 2020, Topps is now set to create captivating collectibles once again, following a brief three-year period during which Panini America took the reins.
This highly anticipated collaboration, facilitated with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, marks a significant milestone in the realm of UFC collectibles. The renewed partnership will kick off with the release of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, a product that has already garnered great excitement among fans. Scheduled for release on February 28, this upcoming line promises to captivate collectors with its innovative designs and thrilling content.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her enthusiasm for the reunion. She emphasized the thriving market for UFC collectibles, driven by the sport’s immense popularity and its roster of standout athletes. With this renewed partnership, UFC fans can look forward to an even more immersive experience, connecting with their favorite fighters and the sport itself through a range of captivating collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also shared his excitement about the collaboration. He highlighted the immense popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and emphasized Fanatics Collectibles’ commitment to innovation and capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards. In an effort to further enrich the collecting experience, Fanatics Collectibles plans to leverage its Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, to promote the UFC trading card line. This exciting initiative will include athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters, providing fans with a unique opportunity to engage with the sport and their favorite athletes on a deeper level.
It is worth noting that the partnership between UFC and Fanatics has already proven successful in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. Through UFC Commerce, fans have access to a wide range of products online and at events, showcasing their passion for mixed martial arts. With this newly formed alliance between Topps and Fanatics, fans can expect an even broader selection of high-quality memorabilia and collectibles, further celebrating their love for the sport and its iconic moments.
In conclusion, the return of Topps as the exclusive producer of UFC trading cards is a momentous occasion for both fans and collectors. The renewed partnership between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles promises to deliver exciting new collectibles, capturing the essence of the sport’s most memorable moments and its rising stars. With the forthcoming release of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, fans can eagerly anticipate a fresh wave of captivating trading cards that will enhance their love for mixed martial arts and deepen their connection to the UFC universe.
