
In an exciting development for both trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is returning to Topps. A newly established exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles has allowed Topps to reclaim its position as the producer of UFC trading cards. This collaboration, announced on Wednesday, marks a significant moment in the world of UFC collectibles.
Topps previously held the UFC trading card license from 2009 to 2020 before Panini America took over for a brief three-year period. Expertly negotiated with the assistance of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, this deal reinstates Topps at the forefront of UFC trading card production. The first product to be released under this renewed partnership will be the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, slated for release on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her enthusiasm for the reunion, acknowledging the vibrant market for UFC collectibles. She highlighted the intense popularity of the sport and its standout athletes as key drivers of the demand for UFC trading cards. This collaboration aims to cater to the fervent UFC fanbase, providing them with new avenues to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also shared the excitement surrounding this partnership. He emphasized the popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and the company’s commitment to innovation in capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards. Fanatics Collectibles plans to leverage its Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, to promote the UFC trading card line. This will include athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters, enriching the collecting experience and deepening the connection between fans and their favorite fighters.
In addition to their collaboration in the trading card space, UFC and Fanatics already enjoy a successful partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. Fans can purchase a wide range of UFC products both at events and online through UFC Commerce. With this new deal bringing Topps under the Fanatics umbrella, the existing relationship is poised to further enhance the offerings available to UFC enthusiasts. They can look forward to an even broader selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The resurgence of Topps in the UFC trading card scene is sure to generate excitement among collectors and fans alike. With their long-standing reputation and expertise in trading card production, Topps is well positioned to deliver high-quality products that capture the spirit of the UFC. Combined with Fanatics Collectibles’ innovative approach to fan engagement, the future of UFC trading cards looks promising.
As the collaboration between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles unfolds, fans can anticipate a renewed wave of interest in UFC collectibles. From the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC release to the interactive experiences offered through Fanatics Live, this partnership showcases a commitment to delivering the best possible collectibles and fan experiences. The return of Topps to the UFC trading card landscape marks an exciting chapter for fans and collectors, ensuring that the world of UFC collectibles will continue to thrive.