In an exciting turn of events for trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is making its way back into the hands of Topps. A newly announced exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles has paved the way for Topps to resume its position as the official producer of UFC trading cards. This development brings an end to Panini America’s three-year stint with the license.
The deal, which was facilitated by UFC’s licensing agent IMG, is a significant milestone in the world of UFC collectibles. The first product to be released under this renewed partnership will be the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, scheduled for release on February 28.
UFC Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products, Tracey Bleczinski, expressed her enthusiasm about the reunion, emphasizing the vibrant market for UFC collectibles fueled by the sport’s immense popularity and its roster of exceptional athletes. The collaboration between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles aims to cater to the passionate UFC fanbase by providing them with new and exciting ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Fanatics Collectibles CEO, Mike Mahan, shares in the excitement, recognizing the immense popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors. Mahan emphasizes his company’s commitment to innovation and capturing the essence of the sport’s rising stars through their trading cards. In order to promote the UFC line, Fanatics Collectibles plans to utilize their Fanatics Live platform—an interactive live breaking/commerce platform. By featuring athlete interviews and live card breaks with fighters, this initiative seeks to deepen the connection between fans and the athletes, enhancing the overall collecting experience.
Furthermore, UFC and Fanatics already have an established partnership in the world of memorabilia and apparel, with products available both at events and through the UFC Commerce online store. This new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is set to strengthen the existing relationship, offering UFC enthusiasts an even wider selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
With the return of Topps as the official producer of UFC trading cards and the innovative approach of Fanatics Collectibles, the future of UFC collectibles looks brighter than ever. Fans can anticipate an expanded range of trading cards, enhanced engagement opportunities, and an enriched collecting experience. Whether it’s through the thrill of opening packs, participating in live card breaks, or adding to their memorabilia collections, UFC collectors have much to look forward to in the coming years.
In conclusion, the reunion between Topps and the UFC trading card license under the wing of Fanatics Collectibles marks a significant milestone for UFC enthusiasts and trading card collectors. With a focus on capturing the essence of the sport and deepening the connection between fans and fighters, this partnership is poised to deliver a new era of excitement and engagement in the world of UFC collectibles.
