• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Fanatics Strikes Trading Card Deal with NBA

  • Fresh off its deal with MLB and the MLBPA, Fanatics struck a trading card deal with the NBA and its players association.
  • It also has a deal with the NFL’s players association.
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Fanatics unseated the biggest name in baseball trading cards last week — and it’s just getting started.

The Jacksonville-based company has secured a deal with the NBA and its players association to replace Panini as the league’s card maker, per The Athletic. Fanatics will hold exclusive rights to produce trading cards bearing NBA intellectual property starting in 2026.

Fanatics, primarily an online sports merchandise company, is starting a trading card company. The NBA, NBPA, MLB, MLBPA, and NFLPA will all hold equity stakes.

The deal is the latest move in a momentous August for Fanatics. 

  • Last week, news surfaced that Fanatics had ousted Topps as MLB’s cardmaker. Topps and a SPAC called off a planned $1.3 billion merger in the wake of the news, and both sides are mulling legal action.
  • The company is planning a move into sports betting. It partnered with Jay-Z on a bid to be one of the permitted mobile sportsbooks in New York State starting next year.

Earlier this month, Fanatics raised $325 million at an $18 billion valuation.

Before Topps’ business was upended last Thursday, it had posted impressive quarterly earnings on Wednesday with a 78% year-over-year increase in net sales to $212.2 million.

The NFL hasn’t struck a deal with Fanatics’ new trading card company yet, but that could change before its current deal with Panini expires.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Louisville’s Miller Moss and several of his teammates stopped by Olympus Gaming Lounge to play EA Sports College Football 26 with fans for a meet and greet. July 11, 2025

Saudis, Silver Lake, Jared Kushner Take EA Private in $55B Deal

Electronic Arts makes “Madden,” “EA Sports College Football,” and more.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.