
In a surprising twist of events set to transform the collectibles industry, Fanatics is set to dominate the production of trading cards and stickers for the Premier League from the 2025/26 season onwards. Following Fanatics’ loss of the license to Panini, the iconic sports memorabilia company has now regained control, paving the way for an exciting new era in soccer collectibles.
Fanatics, known for its recent acquisition of the renowned Topps brand in January 2022, has established itself as a powerhouse in the world of sports licensing. With rights to prestigious leagues such as the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1, as well as the Bundesliga and UEFA Club Competitions, Fanatics is expanding its reach into the European market with this latest development.
The Premier League, boasting six of the world’s top ten most valuable soccer clubs and a massive global following, presents Fanatics with a substantial opportunity to revolutionize the collectibles landscape. Will Brass, the Premier League’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed great enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting Fanatics’ reputation for innovation and its success in engaging fans through collectibles.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, revealed to ESPN the company’s strategic vision to grow the trading card market in Europe, traditionally dominated by sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized the Premier League’s interest in Fanatics’ unique approach to collectibles, as well as its strong player relationships demonstrated through partnerships with sports icons like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Beyond trading cards and stickers, Fanatics has also deepened its involvement in English football through e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs. This comprehensive agreement with the Premier League is poised to reshape the collectibles landscape, promising fans worldwide a more immersive and diverse collecting experience once the 2025/26 season kicks off.
With this exciting new chapter on the horizon, soccer enthusiasts and collectors can anticipate a fresh wave of innovative and high-quality collectibles that showcase the best of the Premier League’s talent and excitement. Fanatics’ takeover of the Premier League card and sticker licensing marks a significant milestone in the sports memorabilia industry, promising fans a whole new level of engagement with their favorite teams and players.