In an exciting turn of events for trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is making its way back to Topps. This exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles marks Topps’ return to the helm of producing UFC trading cards, a role it held from 2009 to 2020 before Panini America briefly took over.
Negotiated with the assistance of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, this deal represents 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, which is set to hit stores on February 28.
Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President of UFC Global Consumer Products, expressed her excitement about the reunion, noting the vibrant market for UFC collectibles fueled by the sport’s immense popularity and its exceptional athletes. This collaboration aims to cater to the passionate UFC fanbase, providing them with new ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also shared the enthusiasm, emphasizing the popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and the company’s dedication to innovation. He mentioned their commitment 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 new UFC line. This will include athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters, enhancing the connection between fans and fighters and enriching the collecting experience.
Furthermore, UFC and Fanatics have already established a successful partnership in the realm of memorabilia and apparel. Fans can purchase products both at events and online through UFC Commerce. With this new deal, Topps under the Fanatics umbrella aims to strengthen the existing relationship, offering UFC enthusiasts an even wider selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The return of Topps to the UFC trading card market brings excitement and anticipation. The trading card company has a rich history of creating high-quality collectibles that fans cherish. Their previous tenure as the exclusive producer of UFC trading cards was immensely popular among collectors, and with the new collaboration between Topps and Fanatics Collectibles, fans can expect innovative and captivating designs that capture the essence of the sport and its iconic fighters.
As the UFC continues to grow in popularity around the world, the demand for unique collectibles and memorabilia is higher than ever. The Topps and Fanatics partnership is well-positioned to meet and exceed these expectations, providing fans with a comprehensive range of UFC-themed products. From trading cards featuring current champions and rising stars to autographed memorabilia from unforgettable matches, the collaboration aims to give fans a deeper connection to their favorite fighters and the sport they love.
With the upcoming release of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, fans can look forward to highly sought-after cards featuring stunning designs and showcasing the most exciting moments from the Octagon. This release marks the beginning of a new era for UFC collectibles under the Topps and Fanatics partnership, promising a bright future for the world of UFC trading cards.
In conclusion, the return of Topps as the exclusive producer of UFC trading cards through their new deal with Fanatics Collectibles is a thrilling development for both collectors and UFC fans. This collaboration is set to provide fans with a wide range of high-quality and innovative UFC collectibles that will enhance their connection to the sport and its exceptional athletes. The upcoming release of the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable partnership in the world of trading cards.
