In a surprising turn of events, the sports collectibles world is buzzing with excitement as Fanatics secures the coveted licensing rights to produce trading cards and stickers for the Premier League. This development is set to unfold starting from the 2025/26 season, marking a shift from the current holder, Panini. Fanatics is famously known for its recent acquisition of the iconic Topps brand and is a dominant figure in the sports memorabilia market.
The Premier League, renowned for its global popularity and featuring some of the wealthiest soccer clubs worldwide, is a prized addition to the Fanatics portfolio. This strategic move bolsters Fanatics’ presence in the European market, complementing its existing partnerships with major sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1. The Premier League’s Chief Commercial Officer, Will Brass, expressed his optimism about the collaboration, praising Fanatics’ innovative approach to fan engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, the President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, revealed the company’s ambitious plans to broaden its reach in Europe, where sticker collecting has long been a prevalent trend. Noteworthy is Fanatics’ success in managing player relationships, exemplified by partnerships with top athletes like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr. This expertise is poised to revolutionize the collectibles market and create an immersive experience for soccer fans globally.
Moreover, Fanatics has already established strong ties within the English football community through e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and various Premier League clubs. This new agreement signals Fanatics’ deeper integration into the fabric of English soccer, promising fans a more diversified and engaging collecting experience come 2025. With its track record of innovation and quality products, Fanatics aims to captivate soccer enthusiasts and collectors alike with its Premier League trading cards and stickers.
As the countdown begins to the 2025/26 season, anticipation mounts among collectors, fans, and industry insiders eager to witness the transformative impact Fanatics will bring to Premier League collectibles. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the sports memorabilia landscape, hinting at an era of enhanced fan experiences and dynamic collectibles, setting the stage for a thrilling new chapter in soccer memorabilia.
