In a move set to shake up the sports collectibles world, Fanatics has secured the licensing rights to produce trading cards and stickers for the Premier League, commencing from the 2025/26 season. This groundbreaking deal marks Fanatics’ re-entry into the realm of English soccer collectibles, following the expiration of its previous agreement with Panini in May 2025.
With the acquisition of the distinguished Topps brand earlier in 2022, Fanatics has been steadily expanding its presence in the sports memorabilia market. The company already boasts licensing agreements with a multitude of major sports leagues and events globally, including the NBA, NFL, UFC, and Formula 1, as well as the Bundesliga and UEFA Club Competitions. The partnership with the Premier League is expected to further strengthen Fanatics’ foothold in the European market, solidifying its status as a key player in the collectibles industry.
The Premier League, renowned for hosting six of the most valuable soccer clubs worldwide, commands a massive international following, amplifying the significance of this collaboration. Will Brass, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Premier League, expressed eagerness about joining forces with Fanatics, praising the company’s dedication to innovation and its proven track record of elevating fan engagement through collectibles.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, elaborated on the company’s strategic vision to expand the trading card sector in Europe, a region traditionally inclined towards sticker collecting. Leiner emphasized the Premier League’s interest in Fanatics’ holistic approach to collectibles, as well as its adept management of player relationships, exemplified through partnerships with renowned athletes like Tom Brady and Ronald Acuna Jr.
Beyond trading cards and stickers, Fanatics has cultivated significant ties within English football through e-commerce and licensed apparel collaborations with The FA and various Premier League clubs. This deep integration into the fabric of the sport sets the stage for the transformative impact of the new licensing agreement, which promises to redefine the collectibles landscape and offer fans around the globe a more engaging and diverse collecting experience once it takes effect in the upcoming season of 2025/26.
