In a groundbreaking move for the world of trading card collecting, UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and Fanatics Collectibles have recently announced their exclusive multiyear partnership. This collaboration grants Fanatics the sole rights to produce UFC trading cards, marking a significant shift in the market. Formerly held by Topps and then Panini America, this new deal with Fanatics Collectibles is set to revolutionize the industry and provide fans and collectors with an enhanced experience.
The much-anticipated first product under this partnership will be the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, which will hit both hobby and retail shops on February 28th. This release is expected to be met with great enthusiasm by collectors, as it will showcase the next wave of UFC stars. Fanatics Collectibles CEO, Mike Mahan, expressed his excitement, stating, “UFC trading cards are incredibly popular among collectors. [We] are truly honored to be able to once again make innovative and fun cards featuring the next wave of stars.”
Kelvin Smith, the vice president of global licensing and partner development at Fanatics Collectibles, highlighted the unique appeal of UFC for collectors. Smith emphasized the presence of outstanding personalities and exciting young stars within the sport, which resonates deeply with the collector community. Moreover, he acknowledged that the historic moments in UFC provide ample opportunities to commemorate through trading cards. According to Smith, the partnership with UFC is a perfect fit for Fanatics Collectibles, as they strive to bring fans and collectors closer to their favorite athletes and fighters.
The collaboration between UFC and Fanatics is not limited to trading cards but extends to Fanatics Live, a creator-run live card-breaking and shopping platform. Through Fanatics Live, fans and collectors can engage with their favorite athletes, as they join live sessions and provide exclusive interviews. This interactive platform offers an opportunity for enthusiasts who may not have the chance to attend fights to connect with and get closer to their beloved athletes. It represents a novel way to deepen the bond between collectors and the sports they admire.
The partnership between UFC and Fanatics Collectibles builds upon an already established relationship with Fanatics Commerce. This connection further enhances the synergy between the two entities, as Fanatics Live becomes a central hub for athletes from various sports to interact with their fans. Although the focus of this recent deal is UFC, Fanatics Live is not limited solely to UFC-related content, offering a diverse range of experiences for collectors and fans alike.
Tracey Bleczinski, UFC’s senior vice president of global consumer products, clarified that the decision to partner with Fanatics was not a reflection on Panini, the previous licensee. Bleczinski acknowledged Panini as a good partner and appreciated their passion for the sport and its athletes. However, the extensive reach and innovation demonstrated by Fanatics, particularly through their merchandise industry leadership and the Fanatics Live platform, positioned them as the ideal ally to take the UFC trading card business to new heights.
Beyond the partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, TKO Group Holdings, the entity resulting from the recent WWE and UFC merger, is experiencing a momentous period. An incredible 10-year, $5 billion collaboration between Netflix and WWE was announced, with “Raw” scheduled to stream on the platform from January 2025. This exciting development adds to the growth and expansion of TKO Group Holdings, setting the stage for a prosperous future in the realm of sports and entertainment.
The exclusive partnership between UFC and Fanatics Collectibles represents a game-changer for the trading card industry, particularly for avid collectors. With Fanatics at the helm, UFC trading cards are set to reach new heights, with innovative products and enhanced experiences for fans and collectors. The introduction of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC marks the beginning of an exciting era, showcasing the next generation of UFC stars. Through Fanatics Live, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to connect with their favorite athletes in unique and interactive ways. This partnership signifies a new chapter in the UFC trading card business, demonstrating the immense potential for growth and engagement in the world of sports collectibles.
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