Panini America, renowned for its extensive array of sports and entertainment collectibles, has struck a momentous deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), the rapidly expanding and highly innovative sports organization. This multi-year partnership marks a significant milestone in the world of MMA trading cards.
The collaboration between Panini and PFL aims to introduce new and thrilling products to the market. The partnership kicks off with the introduction of Panini Instant, a real-time direct-to-consumer platform that will offer timely and relevant collectibles for MMA enthusiasts. Following this exciting launch will be the anticipated release of PFL Prizm later in the year, expected to become a standout product in the trading card segment.
Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, expressed his excitement about the collaboration. He emphasized the remarkable growth and global presence of PFL, highlighting its potential to further invigorate the MMA trading card sector, which already plays a vibrant role in Panini’s collection. This partnership aims to deepen fan engagement with the sport through exclusive Panini products featuring PFL athletes and events.
Echoing this enthusiasm, Bryan Calka, CCO of the PFL, praised Panini America’s expertise in collectibles and acknowledged the PFL’s dedication to providing valuable and premium experiences to MMA fans worldwide. The collaboration between Panini and PFL is expected to elevate fan experiences and bring new dimensions to the world of sports memorabilia.
A groundbreaking aspect of this partnership is the introduction of digital trading card collectibles, including NFTs, catering to the evolving preferences of collectors who embrace both traditional physical cards and digital formats.
This partnership arrives at a pivotal moment as the PFL gears up for the second half of its 2024 Global Season, commencing on June 13 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The season will feature events in Salt Lake City and South Dakota, where athletes across six weight classes will vie for playoff spots and the prestigious title of PFL World Champion, along with a $1 million prize.
Distinguished in the MMA realm for its sports-season format akin to major leagues, the PFL stands out with its unique structure of regular season, playoffs, and championship fights. The league’s innovative SmartCage technology, facilitating advanced fight analytics and a cutting-edge viewing experience, contributes to enhancing the sport’s visibility. Its global expansion initiatives such as PFL Europe and PFL MENA further exemplify the league’s growth trajectory.
As a subsidiary of the renowned Panini Group based in Italy, Panini America brings unrivaled experience spanning over six decades in the collectibles industry, fostering notable partnerships across various sports and entertainment domains. The company’s extensive reach and robust distribution network ensure that PFL trading cards will reach a broad audience, enhancing the presence and desirability of both brands in the collectibles market.
The partnership between Panini America and the Professional Fighters League is poised to redefine the sports memorabilia landscape, fusing innovation with the dynamic world of MMA. Fans can anticipate a diverse range of collectibles that celebrate the sport’s excitement and its exceptional athletes.
