In a bold move set to reshape the landscape of sports collectibles, Fanatics is poised to take over the license to produce trading cards and stickers for the Premier League, the epitome of professional soccer, beginning from the 2025/26 season. This development signifies a significant shift in the industry, as it marks Fanatics’ return to the Premier League’s licensing realm after losing out to Panini, which will continue its partnership with the league until May 2025.
Fanatics, having recently acquired the legendary Topps brand in January 2022, already holds licensing rights for various prestigious sports leagues and events such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, Formula 1, Bundesliga, and UEFA Club Competitions. The inclusion of the Premier League in its portfolio is expected to solidify Fanatics’ presence in the European market, further cementing its status as a powerhouse in the sports collectibles domain.
The Premier League, home to six of the world’s top ten most valuable soccer clubs, boasts a massive global fan following, making the collaboration with Fanatics all the more impactful. Will Brass, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed excitement about the upcoming venture, highlighting Fanatics’ reputation for innovation and its proven ability to enhance fan engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, revealed to ESPN the company’s strategic vision to grow the trading card segment in Europe, a territory historically dominated by sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized the Premier League’s interest in Fanatics’ unique approach to collectibles and its adept management of player relationships, pointing to successful partnerships with sports icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Moreover, Fanatics has already established e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs, indicating its deep integration within English football culture. This newly forged agreement is poised to revolutionize the collectibles market, offering fans worldwide a more immersive and expansive collecting experience come the 2025/26 season.
Fanatics’ takeover of the Premier League card and sticker licensing represents a strategic move that underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, fan engagement, and market expansion. With its renowned track record and vast resources, Fanatics is set to bring a fresh and dynamic approach to the world of soccer collectibles, setting the stage for an exciting new era of sports memorabilia for fans to enjoy.
