Lloyd Howell has found himself at the center of a major financial setback in his role as the executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The decision to terminate the exclusive trading card contract with Panini last year has cost the NFLPA a hefty $7 million, as ruled in an arbitration dispute reported by Eriq Gardner of Puck.news.
The disagreement stemmed from the NFLPA’s move to end its partnership with Panini following the departure of key Panini employees to rival company Fanatics. Using a “change in control” clause as justification, the NFLPA sought to sever ties with Panini. However, Panini argued that this was merely a cover for aligning with Fanatics, a claim that the arbitrators ultimately supported in their decision.
David Boies, Panini’s attorney, was quick to highlight the arbitrators’ ruling, emphasizing that the NFLPA’s actions not only breached their legal obligations but also impacted fans, collectors, and the players themselves. The $7 million payment serves as a reminder of the consequences of the NFLPA’s choices in this contentious matter.
While Fanatics was not directly implicated in the arbitration process, Panini has chosen to pursue a separate legal battle against them, citing antitrust concerns and claims of tortious interference. In response, the NFLPA has remained silent on the issue, leaving questions lingering about its stance on the outcome and its future engagements with trading card partners.
Beyond the financial implications, this ruling calls into question the NFLPA’s decision-making protocols and its responsibilities to its members, fans, and the broader trading card community. The fallout from this dispute serves as a cautionary tale for organizations navigating delicate contractual relationships and underscores the importance of transparency and integrity in business dealings.
