Topps, a division of Fanatics Collectibles, has announced an exciting development in its partnership with Disney Consumer Products. The collaboration is expanding to include global rights for producing trading cards featuring beloved characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. This marks a significant milestone for Topps as they venture into global distribution of Marvel trading cards for the first time.
The long-standing relationship between Topps and Star Wars, dating back to 1977, will also continue under this expanded agreement. Fans and collectors can look forward to more exciting collaborations and collectibles stemming from this enduring partnership.
The first product release under the new global agreement is set for the first quarter of 2025 with the launch of Topps Finest X-Men ’97. This release coincides with a renewed interest in the X-Men franchise and signifies a momentous occasion for Topps as they enter the global market for Marvel trading cards.
The expanded partnership covers both physical and digital trading cards for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars properties worldwide. While Topps has previously introduced digital collectibles through the Disney Collect! and Marvel Collect! apps, this agreement vastly broadens their physical product offerings, particularly in the United States.
Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products, expressed excitement about the expanded collaboration. He emphasized the shared commitment to innovative storytelling and bringing the magic of Disney’s brands to card collecting enthusiasts worldwide.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, highlighted the dedication to enhancing the fan experience through the strengthened partnership. The collaboration aims to bring new levels of innovation and engagement to collectors, building on the success of their longstanding partnership with Star Wars.
Topps has a track record of producing Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars trading cards in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, primarily through Topps.com and local fan conventions. The new agreement signifies a global expansion of these offerings, with a focus on entering the U.S. market and other regions worldwide.
By combining Disney’s rich storytelling legacy with Topps’ expertise in collectible trading cards, the partnership strives to create innovative products that resonate with fans globally. Collectors can anticipate a diverse array of trading cards celebrating the magic of Disney, the creativity of Pixar, the thrilling adventures of Marvel superheroes, and the epic narratives of Star Wars.
This enhanced partnership between Topps and Disney Consumer Products represents a new chapter for trading card enthusiasts, providing unprecedented access to cherished characters and stories from some of the most iconic entertainment franchises in history. Fans can anticipate fresh designs, unique collectibles, and immersive experiences that will elevate the trading card hobby to new heights.