In an exciting development for trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is making its way back to Topps. This transition is made possible through a newly formed exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles. The collaboration, announced on Wednesday, reinstates Topps as the producer of UFC trading cards, a position it previously held from 2009 to 2020 before Panini America took over for a brief three-year period.
The deal, which was expertly negotiated with the assistance of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, is a significant moment for UFC collectibles. The first product to come out of this renewed partnership will be the much-anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, scheduled for release on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her enthusiasm about the reunion, pointing out the vibrant market for UFC collectibles driven by the sport’s intense popularity and the exceptional athletes it showcases. This collaboration aims to cater to the passionate UFC fanbase, providing them with new ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, shared the excitement, emphasizing the immense popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and the company’s commitment to innovation while capturing the essence of the sport’s rising stars through their trading cards. Fanatics Collectibles plans to leverage its Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, to promote the UFC trading card line. Through athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters, they aim to deepen the connection between fans and fighters, enhancing the collecting experience.
Furthermore, UFC and Fanatics already have a successful partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel, with products available both at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is poised to build upon the existing relationship, offering UFC enthusiasts an even wider selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The return of Topps as the producer of UFC trading cards brings with it a sense of nostalgia for avid collectors who have been eagerly awaiting this reunion. Topps has a rich history in the world of trading cards and has successfully produced a variety of sports-related collectibles for decades. With this new partnership, fans can expect Topps to bring their expertise and creativity to produce high-quality UFC trading cards that encapsulate the excitement and drama of the sport.
The popularity of UFC trading cards has been steadily rising, with collectors eagerly seeking out cards featuring their favorite fighters and memorable moments from iconic matches. The partnership between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles is set to fuel this growing demand, offering fans a range of products that capture the essence of the UFC.
UFC fans can look forward to an exciting future of trading card releases, including both traditional trading cards and innovative new formats. With Topps back at the helm, the stage is set for the production of captivating UFC trading cards that will become treasured pieces in the collections of fans worldwide.
In conclusion, the reunion between Topps and UFC through a deal with Fanatics Collectibles is a significant development for both the trading card industry and UFC fans. With the UFC trading card license back in Topps’ hands, enthusiasts can expect a diverse range of collectibles that celebrate the sport and its remarkable athletes. The collaboration between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles promises to provide fans with an engaging and immersive collecting experience, further deepening their connection to the world of mixed martial arts.
