In a thrilling turn of events, Topps has once again secured the coveted UFC trading card license through a groundbreaking partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. This exclusive multi-year agreement, announced on Wednesday, heralds a triumphant return for Topps as the producer of UFC trading cards, a role it held from 2009 to 2020 before Panini America took the reins for a brief period.
The deal, expertly brokered with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, marks a pivotal moment for UFC collectibles. Fans and traders can expect the first product of this renewed collaboration to be the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, set to be released on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her excitement about the reunion, recognizing the vibrant market for UFC collectibles fueled by the sport’s immense popularity and its roster of outstanding athletes. This partnership aims to cater to the passionate UFC fanbase, providing them with fresh ways to connect with the sport and their beloved fighters through collectibles.
Joining in the celebration, Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, emphasized the allure of UFC trading cards among collectors and the company’s commitment to innovation in capturing the essence of the sport’s rising stars through their cards. To promote the UFC line, Fanatics Collectibles plans to leverage its Fanatics Live platform, which offers a live breaking and commerce experience. Through athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters, fans will be able to deepen their connection with the sport and elevate their collecting experience.
Interestingly, UFC and Fanatics already share a fruitful collaboration in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. UFC Commerce offers a wide range of products at events and online, and this new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is expected to further enhance the existing relationship. UFC enthusiasts can now look forward to an expanded selection of memorabilia and collectibles, allowing them to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts in even more comprehensive ways.
The return of Topps as the official producer of UFC trading cards has garnered much excitement among collectors and fans alike. With their rich history in the trading card industry and a reputation for delivering quality products, Topps is poised to once again capture the essence of the UFC and its fighters through stunning artwork and captivating designs.
As the partnership between Topps, Fanatics Collectibles, and the UFC unfolds, collectors can anticipate an array of new releases featuring their favorite fighters. From rookie cards to rare inserts, the renewed collaboration aims to provide fans with an immersive collecting experience that celebrates the sport’s unparalleled energy and competitiveness.
In conclusion, the resurgence of Topps as the exclusive producer of UFC trading cards in partnership with Fanatics Collectibles represents a remarkable moment for both the world of trading cards and the UFC fanbase. With new products on the horizon and an unwavering commitment to innovation, this collaboration is set to ignite excitement and captivate the hearts of collectors and UFC enthusiasts around the world.
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