In a thrilling turn of events for UFC trading card enthusiasts, the license to produce UFC trading cards is making its way back to Topps. Thanks to an exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles, Topps will once again be at the forefront of creating UFC trading cards. This exciting collaboration was announced on Wednesday, signaling a significant milestone for both trading card enthusiasts and MMA fans.
Previously, Topps had held the position as the main producer of UFC trading cards from 2009 to 2020. However, Panini America took over for a brief three-year period, leaving fans eagerly awaiting Topps’ triumphant return. Through skillful negotiations facilitated by UFC’s licensing agent IMG, Topps has reclaimed the license, marking a momentous occasion for the world of UFC collectibles.
UFC’s Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products, Tracey Bleczinski, expressed her enthusiasm for the renewed partnership. She emphasized the vibrant market for UFC collectibles, driven by the sport’s immense popularity and its roster of standout athletes. With this collaboration, fans can expect new and exciting ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Fanatics Collectibles’ CEO, Mike Mahan, also shared in the excitement surrounding this partnership. He highlighted the immense popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and the company’s dedication to capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards. Fanatics Collectibles plans to leverage their Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, to promote the UFC line. This will include athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters, aiming to deepen the connection between fans and their favorite fighters, enriching the overall collecting experience.
Additionally, UFC and Fanatics already have a fruitful partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. Products are currently available both at UFC events and online through UFC Commerce. With this new deal under the Fanatics umbrella, the existing relationship between UFC and Fanatics will be further enhanced. UFC enthusiasts can now enjoy an even broader selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The first product to be released under this renewed partnership is the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome UFC. Fans can mark their calendars for its release on February 28, which is expected to be a memorable moment for UFC trading card enthusiasts. The Topps Chrome line has long been revered by collectors for its stunning designs and premium quality, making it a must-have for any UFC fan’s trading card collection.
As the collaboration between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles begins to yield its first products, fans can prepare to dive into an even deeper level of connection with the world of UFC. With a wide range of collectibles and an immersive live breaking platform, this new partnership aims to bring fans and fighters closer together and elevate the UFC trading card experience to new heights.
In conclusion, the return of Topps as the primary producer of UFC trading cards is an exciting development for collectors and MMA fans alike. With the support of Fanatics Collectibles, UFC enthusiasts can look forward to a fresh lineup of trading cards, an expanded range of memorabilia, and a closer connection to their beloved fighters. The stage is set for an exhilarating new era of UFC collectibles.
