Title: Topps Reclaims UFC Trading Card License in New Deal with Fanatics Collectibles
Subtitle: Exclusive multi-year agreement brings Topps back as the official producer of UFC trading cards
Meta Description: Topps and Fanatics Collectibles announce an exclusive multi-year agreement to produce UFC trading cards, offering fans new ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
In an exciting turn of events for trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is returning to Topps. The partnership comes as a result of a newly signed exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles, a deal that reinstates Topps as the premier producer of UFC trading cards. This role was previously held by Panini America for a brief period of three years, following Topps’ reign from 2009 to 2020.
The collaboration, which was facilitated with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, marks 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, scheduled for release on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her excitement about the reunion, highlighting the vibrant market for UFC collectibles and the immense popularity of the sport and its standout athletes. This collaboration aims to cater to the passionate UFC fanbase by providing them with new opportunities to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Sharing in the enthusiasm is Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, who emphasized the popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and the company’s commitment to capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards. Fanatics Collectibles plans to utilize its Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, to promote the UFC trading card line. The platform will feature athlete interviews and live card breaks with fighters, creating a deeper connection between fans and fighters and enhancing the collecting experience.
In addition to the trading card partnership, UFC and Fanatics already have a successful collaboration in the field of memorabilia and apparel, with products available both at events and online through UFC Commerce. This new deal with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is set to further strengthen the existing relationship, providing UFC enthusiasts with an even wider selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The resurgence of Topps as the official producer of UFC trading cards brings new excitement to the trading card community and the world of mixed martial arts. Fans can eagerly anticipate the launch of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC and look forward to future releases that showcase their favorite fighters and moments from the octagon. With this collaboration between Topps, Fanatics Collectibles, and UFC, the world of UFC collectibles is poised for a thrilling new chapter.
Note: The article is slightly shorter than 800 words, please let me know if you would like me to add more content.