What’s New
Panini has renewed its exclusive trading card agreement with the WNBA Players’ Association, extending the partnership for multiple years. Since 2019, Panini has been crafting WNBA cards in beloved lines such as Donruss, Prizm, and Select, alongside premium offerings like Flawless and National Treasures. This new contract, facilitated by OneTeam Partners, is hailed by Panini as the most valuable licensing deal for female athletes. Financial terms remain confidential.
Panini will continue as the sole producer of WNBA trading cards and will keep offering digital collectibles, including Panini Instant. The company is set to enhance its investments in player marketing, product innovation, autograph contracts, and event sponsorships, such as the WNBPA Rookie Premiere.
Interest in the WNBA has grown, spurred by stars such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. The Las Vegas Aces, with MVP A’ja Wilson, recently clinched the league title. Panini has already launched the 2025 Donruss WNBA set, with Panini Prizm WNBA and the inaugural Panini Impeccable WNBA on the horizon. Further releases are planned but yet to be disclosed.
Configuration at a Glance
- Panini continues as the exclusive creator of WNBA trading cards.
- Recent and forthcoming releases include Donruss WNBA (2025), Panini Prizm WNBA, and the first Panini Impeccable WNBA.
- Premium lines like Flawless and National Treasures have featured WNBA content in recent years.
- Digital offerings persist through Panini Instant and other online channels.
- This year, Rookie Royalty boxes showcased high-end Rookie Patch Autographs for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Key Inserts & Parallels
- Panini Prizm WNBA: Renowned for color parallels and rookie cards, including the 2024 Caitlin Clark RC.
- Donruss WNBA: Features Rated Rookies and various insert sets.
- Rookie Royalty: Showcases high-end Rookie Patch Autographs for top rookies.
- High-end lines (Flawless, National Treasures): Generally offer low-numbered parallels and premium inserts.
Autographs & Relics
- Expanded autograph agreements for WNBA athletes as part of the renewed deal.
- Rookie Royalty boxes introduced high-end Rookie Patch Autographs for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
- Flawless and National Treasures sets have included premium autograph and memorabilia content.
- Future products are anticipated to feature autographs and memorabilia from both newcomers and veteran stars.
Collector Notes
- Panini retains exclusive rights to create WNBA trading cards and digital collectibles.
- 2025 Donruss WNBA is already available; Prizm and Impeccable WNBA are coming soon.
- Rookie Royalty boxes marked the debut of high-end Rookie Patch Autographs for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
- Panini continues to invest in product innovation, player marketing, and autograph contracts.
- No print runs, odds, or specific serial numbering were disclosed in the announcement.
- Designs differ by product line, with Prizm known for parallels and Donruss for Rated Rookies.
- Additional WNBA releases are anticipated but not yet revealed.
Comments