The license for Premier League soccer cards is staying with Panini. The card maker and the world’s top professional soccer organization have extended their multi-year contract which was granted to Panini in 2019.
The move is a win for Panini, which faces the loss of its NBA and NFL licenses to Fanatics in the coming years.
Panini has secured trading card deals with UFC and WWE this year, but the extension of its Premier League deal keeps the company in control of an important global license.
“We are proud to be awarded the most prestigious license in the UK, and we relish the prospect of continuing to grow the market in the coming years,” commented Mike Riddell, UK Managing Director at Panini.
Adrenalyn is the top Panini soccer card brand in the UK and the company says sales have doubled there this year. Stickers are also a big seller in Europe and Panini says its most recent report shows sales were the highest in 15 years.
“Panini has ignited the football collectables market in the US, China and internationally,” stated Panini’s Peter Warsop. “The Premier League will continue to attract new fans and collectors, with Panini enjoying continued substantial growth both domestically and through 60+ other international markets.”
An exact length of the multi-year license extension hasn’t been announced.