In an exciting turn of events for both trading card collectors and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is making its way back to Topps. Through a newly established and exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles, Topps is once again taking the helm in producing UFC trading cards. This comes after Panini America held the license for a brief three-year period. The deal, skillfully negotiated with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, is seen as a significant moment for UFC collectibles. The first product to be released under this renewed partnership will be the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, set to hit shelves on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, the Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her excitement for the reunion of Topps and UFC. She highlighted the vibrant market for UFC collectibles, driven by the sport’s immense popularity and its roster of outstanding athletes. This collaboration aims to provide UFC fans with new ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, the CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership. He emphasized the popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and Fanatics Collectibles’ dedication to innovation. The company aims to capture the essence of the sport’s rising stars through their trading cards. Fanatics Collectibles plans to utilize their Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, to promote the UFC trading card line. This platform will feature athlete interviews and live card breaks with fighters, aiming to deepen the connection between fans and their favorite athletes while enhancing the collecting experience.
Furthermore, the collaboration between UFC and Fanatics is not new. The two entities have already enjoyed a successful partnership in the world of memorabilia and apparel. Products from this collaboration are available both at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is expected to further strengthen their relationship and provide UFC enthusiasts with an even wider selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their love for mixed martial arts.
With Topps once again leading the charge in producing UFC trading cards, fans can anticipate high-quality products that capture the excitement and essence of the sport. Topps has a long history in the trading card industry and their return to the UFC license is seen as a significant moment for collectors worldwide. The 2024 Topps Chrome UFC is sure to attract attention with its release, featuring stunning designs, athlete photography, and the thrill of collecting cards that feature the biggest names in the sport.
In conclusion, the partnership between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles marks a pivotal moment for UFC trading cards. Topps’ return as the exclusive producer of UFC trading cards brings excitement and anticipation for collectors and fans alike. With the release of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, the connection between fans, fighters, and the sport of mixed martial arts will be strengthened through the engaging world of trading cards.
