FIFA leaves Panini for Topps and Fanatics partnership
FIFA made a major move by leaving fledgling Panini for a deal with Fanatics-owned Topps as its trading card partner.
FIFA has made a major move by switching trading card partners from Panini to Topps, which is owned by Fanatics. The governing body made the announcement on Thursday, saying in a press release that the new product will roll out in 2031, including physical and digital collectibles, trading cards, stickers and trading card games. Fanatics already has a deal with FIFA for this summer's World Cup as the federation's retail and merchandise partner.
Thursday's announcement included the news that Fanatics Fest will host the pre-match press conferences for the Would Cup final on July 17. Fanatics Fest will also host a watch party for the final on July 19. Topps, which was acquired by Fanatics in 2022, will introduce player patches to international soccer for the first time.
The player patch program has already seen massive success in other sports. A Paul Skenes rookie debut patch card sold for $1. 1 million in March.
A Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant card featuring a jersey patch from each NBA icon sold for $3. 2 million in December. Topps published a social media post sharing the news of the FIFA partnership with a graphic featuring Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Trinity Rodman, Marta and more, showing they are ready to capitalize on the excitement around international soccer stars.