Fanatics, a powerhouse in the sports collectibles industry, has once again made waves by securing the licensing rights to produce trading cards and stickers for the Premier League starting from the 2025/26 season. This move marks a significant shift from the current agreement with Panini, which will continue until May 2025.
Having already acquired the renowned Topps brand in January 2022, Fanatics boasts an impressive portfolio that includes major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1. Adding the Premier League to their roster further solidifies their position in the market, especially in Europe, where soccer holds a special place in fans’ hearts.
The Premier League, known for its iconic clubs and massive global following, presents a lucrative opportunity for Fanatics to engage with fans on a whole new level through collectibles. Will Brass, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting Fanatics’ dedication to innovation and enhancing fan engagement.
In an interview with ESPN, David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, shed light on the company’s strategic approach to expand the trading card segment in Europe, a market traditionally skewed towards sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized that the Premier League was drawn to Fanatics not only for their expertise in collectibles but also for their successful player relationships, exemplified by collaborations with sports stars like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Fanatics’ presence in English football extends beyond trading cards, with e-commerce and licensed apparel partnerships with The FA and multiple Premier League clubs. This deeper integration into the sport’s ecosystem sets the stage for a transformative experience for fans worldwide, offering them a more immersive and extensive collecting experience when the new licensing agreement takes effect.
The partnership between Fanatics and the Premier League heralds a new era in sports collectibles, where fans can look forward to a diverse range of trading cards and stickers featuring their favorite players and clubs. The 2025/26 season promises to be an exciting time for collectors as they engage with the Premier League in a whole new way, courtesy of Fanatics’ innovative and fan-focused approach.
