Panini America, a powerhouse in sports and entertainment collectibles, has joined forces with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a trailblazer in the sports industry, in a groundbreaking multi-year deal. This strategic alliance signals a new era in the MMA trading card realm as Panini and PFL team up to bring fresh and exhilarating products to fans worldwide.
The partnership kicks off with the launch of Panini Instant, a cutting-edge platform delivering real-time collectibles directly to consumers, tailored for MMA enthusiasts. Following this debut, fans can anticipate the release of PFL Prizm later in the year, a highly anticipated addition to the trading card category.
Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations, voices his excitement for this collaboration, emphasizing the PFL’s phenomenal growth and global appeal in enriching Panini’s vibrant portfolio of sports collectibles. The aim is to deepen fan engagement by offering exclusive Panini products featuring PFL athletes and events, enhancing the overall experience of MMA aficionados.
Bryan Calka, the Chief Commercial Officer of PFL, echoes this enthusiasm, recognizing Panini America’s industry leadership in the collectibles sector. He underscores PFL’s dedication to providing valuable and premium experiences to MMA fans worldwide, further elevated through this partnership with Panini.
A notable aspect of this collaboration is the introduction of digital trading card collectibles, including NFTs, catering to the evolving preferences of collectors embracing both traditional physical cards and digital formats.
This alliance comes at a pivotal moment as PFL gears up for the second half of its 2024 Global Season starting on June 13 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Athletes from six weight classes will compete across events in Salt Lake City and South Dakota, vying for playoff spots and the prestigious title of PFL World Champion, along with a substantial $1 million prize.
Setting itself apart in the MMA landscape, PFL adopts a sports-season format akin to major league sports, with fighters engaging in regular season bouts, playoffs, and championship matches. Leveraging innovative technology like the SmartCage, which facilitates advanced fight analytics and a next-gen viewing experience, PFL is not only enhancing the sport’s visibility but also expanding globally through initiatives like PFL Europe and PFL MENA.
With over 60 years in the collectibles industry, Panini America, a subsidiary of the renowned Panini Group based in Italy, boasts extensive experience and partnerships across various sports and entertainment sectors. The company’s global reach and robust distribution network will ensure wide accessibility for PFL trading cards, bolstering the profiles of both brands in the collectibles market.
The collaboration between Panini America and the Professional Fighters League promises to redefine the sports memorabilia landscape, infusing innovation into the electrifying world of MMA. Fans can anticipate a diverse array of collectibles that celebrate the sport’s dynamic essence and the remarkable talents of its athletes.
