In a thrilling turn of events for both trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is making its way back to Topps. After a three-year stint with Panini America, Topps has regained its position as the premier producer of UFC trading cards through an exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles.
The news of this triumphant reunion was announced on Wednesday, signifying a significant moment for UFC collectibles. The deal was skillfully negotiated with the assistance of UFC’s licensing agent, IMG, and aims to capitalize on the vibrant market for UFC collectibles driven by the sport’s intense popularity and the star power of its athletes.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her excitement about the collaboration. She highlighted the passionate fanbase of the UFC and their desire to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles. With Topps back as the producer of UFC trading cards, fans can look forward to new avenues of enjoyment and interaction with the sport they love.
Joining in on the enthusiasm, Mike Mahan, the CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, emphasized the popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors. He also highlighted his company’s commitment to innovation and 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 line. This innovative initiative will feature athlete interviews and live card breaks with fighters, deepening the connection between fans and their favorite fighters while enhancing the collecting experience.
The partnership between UFC and Fanatics is not new, as they already collaborate in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. UFC Commerce, an avenue for fans to purchase official UFC products, has been offering a range of merchandise both at events and online. With the addition of Topps under the Fanatics umbrella, fans and collectors can expect an even broader selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The first product to be launched under this renewed partnership is the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC. Set to hit the shelves on February 28, this collection is expected to captivate fans with its stunning designs and showcase the sport’s most thrilling moments and iconic fighters.
The return of Topps as the producer of UFC trading cards is a cause for celebration among enthusiasts and collectors. With their rich history of producing high-quality collectibles, Topps is well-positioned to reintroduce the popular trading card line to fans worldwide. As the partnership with Fanatics Collectibles continues to evolve, the future of UFC collectibles looks brighter than ever, providing fans with new and exciting ways to showcase their love for the sport and its incredible athletes.
