In a thrilling turn of events, Topps has regained the rights to produce UFC trading cards through an exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles. This groundbreaking collaboration comes after Panini America held the license for a brief period from 2020 to 2023.
The deal, finalized with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, marks a significant moment for UFC collectibles. As part of this revived partnership, Topps will be responsible for creating a range of UFC trading cards, catering to the thriving market of avid fans and collectors. The first product to hit the shelves will be the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, set for release on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her excitement about the reunion, underscoring the tremendous popularity of UFC collectibles driven by the sport’s intense following and the extraordinary talent of its fighters. This renewed collaboration aims to provide fans with new ways to engage with their favorite sport and fighters through collectible trading cards.
Fanatics Collectibles CEO, Mike Mahan, echoed the enthusiasm, highlighting the strong demand for UFC trading cards among collectors. He emphasized Fanatics Collectibles’ commitment to innovation and capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading card designs. Leveraging their Fanatics Live platform, which combines live breaking and commerce, the company plans to promote the UFC trading cards through athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters. This unique initiative aims to deepen the connection between fans and fighters, enhancing the overall collecting experience.
It’s worth noting that UFC and Fanatics already enjoy a successful partnership in the world of memorabilia and apparel. From products available at events to online offerings through UFC Commerce, fans have access to a wide range of merchandise to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts. With this new deal involving Topps under the Fanatics umbrella, fans can expect an even broader selection of UFC memorabilia and collectibles to commemorate their favorite fighters and moments.
The return of Topps to the UFC trading card scene is set to reignite the excitement and anticipation surrounding the sport’s collectibles. With their expertise in the field and the support of Fanatics Collectibles, fans can look forward to innovative designs and products that truly capture the essence of UFC.
The Topps Chrome UFC 2024 series is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey for UFC trading card enthusiasts. Whether collecting for the thrill of the chase, the love of the sport, or the admiration of their favorite fighters, fans can now dive into a world of possibilities with Topps back at the helm.
As the exclusive producer of UFC trading cards, Topps will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the UFC and its fighters to provide collectors with unique and captivating cards that capture the essence of the sport. This collaboration between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles sets the stage for an exciting future, where fans and collectors can continue to immerse themselves in the world of UFC through their cherished trading card collections.
