In a thrilling development for trading card enthusiasts and mixed martial arts fans, the UFC trading card license is making its way back to Topps. Thanks to a newly formed exclusive multi-year agreement with Fanatics Collectibles, Topps is once again at the forefront of producing UFC trading cards. Previously holding the position from 2009 to 2020 before Panini America took over for a brief period, Topps is reclaiming its role in the world of UFC collectibles.
The deal, facilitated with the help of UFC’s licensing agent IMG, represents a pivotal moment for the world of UFC collectibles. The first product to emerge from this renewed partnership will 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. She highlighted the vibrant market for UFC collectibles, driven by the sport’s immense popularity and the incredible talent of its athletes. This collaboration aims to cater to the fervent UFC fanbase, offering them new and exciting ways to engage with the sport and their favorite fighters through collectibles.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership. He emphasized the popularity of UFC trading cards among collectors and highlighted Fanatics Collectibles’ commitment to innovation and capturing the essence of the sport’s emerging stars through their trading cards. Leveraging their Fanatics Live platform, a live breaking/commerce platform, Fanatics Collectibles plans to promote the UFC line through athlete interviews and live card breaks featuring fighters. This initiative aims to deepen the connection between fans and fighters, enriching the overall collecting experience.
It is worth noting that UFC and Fanatics already have a strong partnership in the field of memorabilia and apparel. With products available both at events and online through UFC Commerce, this new collaboration with Topps under the Fanatics umbrella is expected to further enhance the existing relationship. UFC enthusiasts can look forward to an even broader selection of memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts.
The return of Topps as the official producer of UFC trading cards brings excitement to collectors and fans alike. Topps has a long history of creating high-quality and sought-after trading cards, and their expertise combined with the reach and fan engagement capabilities of Fanatics Collectibles promises to deliver a thrilling lineup of UFC collectibles. From rookie cards to special edition releases, fans will have an extensive range of products to choose from, allowing them to dive deeper into their love for the sport and its incredible athletes.
With the 2024 Topps Chrome UFC already generating buzz in the trading card community, the future looks bright for the renewed partnership between Topps, Fanatics Collectibles, and the UFC. As the demand for UFC collectibles continues to grow, this collaboration is sure to satisfy the avid fans and collectors who are eager to get their hands on the latest and greatest offerings from the world of mixed martial arts.
