FIFA ends near 60-year Panini tie, grants Fanatics exclusive collectables licence from 2031 | OneFootball

FIFA has struck an exclusive licensing deal with Fanatics to produce its stickers, trading cards and collectables from 2031, ending an almost 60-year partnership with Panini, FIFA said in a statement.

The agreement takes effect when FIFA's current arrangement with Panini ends. Panini has overseen FIFA collectables since 1970, launching the first World Cup sticker album at Mexico 1970.

The long-term licence covers physical and digital products, including card games and stickers. It will also introduce new items such as a shirt patch programme integrated into the cards.

Similar concepts already feature in major US leagues where Fanatics leads the market, with cards carrying special game-used patches from stars like LeBron James in the NBA, Josh Allen in the NFL and Shohei Ohtani in MLB.

As part of the deal, Fanatics will support youth football worldwide by distributing more than 150 million dollars worth of collectables free of charge.

Fanatics is already the official retail and merchandise operator for the 2026 World Cup. It will also sponsor a New York festival before the final to boost fan engagement and host the finalists' coaches and players for press conferences.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo