Topps, a division of Fanatics Collectibles, has made waves in the world of trading cards with the announcement of an extensive partnership expansion with Disney Consumer Products. This groundbreaking deal grants Topps global rights to develop trading cards showcasing iconic characters and captivating stories from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. Notably, this marks the first time that Topps will introduce and distribute physical Marvel trading cards on a worldwide scale.
The expanded agreement also upholds Topps’ enduring global collaboration with Star Wars, a relationship that has captivated collectors since its commencement in 1977, continuing to bring joy to fans around the globe for decades.
Excitingly, the initial release under this new partnership is set to be Topps Finest X-Men ’97, a Marvel collectible trading card series due to launch in the first quarter of 2025. This debut perfectly aligns with the resurgence of interest in the X-Men franchise and serves as a significant milestone for Topps as it delves into the international distribution of Marvel cards.
This extended collaboration encompasses both physical and digital trading cards for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises worldwide. While Topps has previously ventured into the digital collectibles realm with the Disney Collect! and Marvel Collect! apps, this partnership signifies a substantial expansion of their physical product offerings, particularly within the United States.
Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Topps has been a longstanding partner of Disney Consumer Products, driving innovation in the trading card domain, both physically and digitally. We are ecstatic to expand our collaboration with Topps officially, bringing the storytelling magic from across our brands to card enthusiasts globally.”
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, echoed the excitement, emphasizing their joint commitment to enhancing the experience for fans. He mentioned, “At Topps, we focus on elevating fan engagement, and this expanded partnership with Disney Consumer Products will allow us to continue delivering top-notch innovation in the hobby to collectors.”
Topps has a history of creating Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars trading cards within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region through Topps.com and local fan conventions. The latest agreement extends these offerings globally, marking a substantial foray into the U.S. market and other regions.
By combining Disney’s rich storytelling legacy with Topps’ proficiency in crafting collectible trading cards, the collaboration aims to introduce innovative products that resonate with fans all over the world, promising a plethora of new trading card designs and collectibles.
Collectors can anticipate a diverse range of new trading cards that pay tribute to the enchantment of Disney, the ingenuity of Pixar, the thrill of Marvel superheroes, and the grandeur of Star Wars adventures. This partnership is set to bring fresh designs, distinctive collectibles, and immersive experiences to the trading card hobby, providing enthusiasts with unprecedented access to some of the most beloved characters and narratives in entertainment history.
This enhanced partnership between Topps and Disney Consumer Products ushers in a new era for trading card aficionados, offering them unparalleled access to cherished characters and narratives that have defined generations of fans across the globe.
