Panini America, known as a giant in the sports and entertainment collectibles industry, has shaken hands with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a rapidly rising star in the world of sports leagues. Their newly inked multi-year deal is gearing up to revamp the landscape of MMA sports trading cards.
The collaboration between Panini and PFL is set to bring a wave of fresh products to the forefront. Kicking things off is the introduction of Panini Instant, a cutting-edge platform that will cater directly to MMA enthusiasts, serving up the latest and most relevant collectibles in real time. Following closely behind will be the unveiling of PFL Prizm, slated to make a splash in the trading card market later this year.
Jason Howarth, the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, couldn’t contain his excitement about the partnership. He pointed out the immense growth trajectory and global footprint of PFL, foreseeing a surge in energy within the already buzzing MMA trading card sphere that Panini has a strong foothold in. The objective of this collaboration is to offer fans an avenue to deepen their engagement with the sport through exclusive Panini products featuring PFL athletes and events.
Echoing this enthusiasm is Bryan Calka, the Chief Commercial Officer of PFL, who commended Panini America for its prowess in collectibles. He underscored PFL’s dedication to providing top-notch experiences to MMA fans worldwide, experiences that are expected to be elevated through this strategic alliance with Panini.
A notable aspect of this collaboration is the foray into digital trading card collectibles, including the increasingly popular NFTs. This move is a nod to the shifting preferences of collectors who are gravitating towards digital formats alongside traditional physical cards.
The timing of this partnership is ideal as PFL is gearing up for the latter half of its 2024 Global Season, commencing on June 13 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Following this, events will unfold in Salt Lake City and South Dakota, where fighters across six weight classes will battle it out for playoff spots and the prestigious title of PFL World Champion, all alongside a tempting $1 million prize.
What sets PFL apart in the MMA realm is its unique sports-season structure akin to major league sports, featuring fighters competing in a regular season, playoffs, and championship bouts. The league stands out not only for enhancing the sport’s visibility through cutting-edge technology like SmartCage for advanced fight analytics and a futuristic viewing experience but also for its global footprint with offshoots like PFL Europe and PFL MENA.
Panini America, a subsidiary of the renowned Panini Group based in Italy, brings over sixty years of expertise in the collectibles industry, boasting significant partnerships across various sports and entertainment domains. With a strong global presence and an expansive distribution network, Panini ensures that PFL trading cards will find their way to a vast audience, boosting the visibility and allure of both brands in the collectibles market.
The partnership between Panini America and the Professional Fighters League is all set to redefine sports memorabilia, blending innovation with the adrenaline-pumping world of MMA. Fans can anticipate a rich array of collectibles that celebrate the sport’s dynamic essence and its stellar athletes.
