• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Law

Panini Alleges Fanatics Induced NFLPA, WWE to Break Contracts

  • In an amended federal complaint, Panini makes new claims after the NFLPA and WWE sought to end deals early.
  • The NFLPA and WWE were blocked from starting their deals with Fanatics early.
Fanatics is buying auction marketplace PWCC.
Fanatics

Fanatics induced the NFL Players Association and WWE toward seeking to terminate their agreements with Panini early, according to an amended federal complaint obtained by Front Office Sports. 

A legal battle between Fanatics and Panini that began in two federal courts in early August swung in a new direction when the NFLPA and WWE unsuccessfully tried to shed their existing deals with Panini.

“In lockstep fashion — almost as if it were planned — within days of the NFL Players Association’s attempt to terminate its contract with Panini and announcing Fanatics was its new exclusive partner, WWE did the same,” Stuart Singer, one of Panini’s outside lawyers, wrote in a new complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on Tuesday.

Panini is seeking an injunction to prevent Fanatics’ alleged anti-competitive conduct as well as unspecified damages and a jury trial.  

“Panini, realizing that its original complaint was legally defective, has tried to fix the problems with it.  Fanatics believes Panini’s newest complaint is equally defective and intends to seek total dismissal,” a Fanatics spokesperson told FOS.

A Panini spokesperson declined comment.

FOS previously reported that the NFLPA and WWE used the same change-of-control provisions to cancel their contracts with Panini. The NFLPA and WWE’s parent company — Endeavor — have equity stakes in Fanatics. 

The new complaint alleged Fanatics used “unlawful means” to hire 36 Panini employees, effectively setting the stage for NFLPA and WWE to argue there had been a substantial change to Panini’s executive management team to trigger that provision. 

According to the complaint, the list of employees targeted included longtime Panini America CEO Mark Warsop.  

Warsop chose to remain at Panini, although Panini’s legal team stated in the filing that they urged many others to quit the company. Fanatics offered “compensation packages at levels that make no economic sense.”

The NFLPA has a contract with Panini that runs through 2026, and Panini’s deal with WWE runs through 2025, and each previously announced that Fanatics would take over those trading card deals. 

“With the aid and encouragement of Fanatics, these employees stole Panini’s trade secrets and helped Fanatics recruit other employees away from Panini, each in violation of their employment contracts with Panini, specifically the proprietary-information and non-solicitation provisions,” the new complaint alleged. 

The WWE was denied a temporary restraining order in federal court on Sept. 25. Days later, an arbitrator rejected the NFLPA’s request for emergency relief. 

Those decisions effectively kept Panini’s existing deals with the NFLPA and WWE until both cases were decided.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 6, 2025; Paris, FRANCE; Brad Tavares (red gloves) fights Robert Bryczek (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Accor Arena.

TKO President Mark Shapiro Pops Talk of Valuation Bubble, Defends UFC Deal

“Sports is the last bastion of unifying content in this world.”

Roger Goodell: NFL’s Next Frontier Is More Games, More Countries

The commissioner has pushed for an 18-game season since last spring.
Jey Uso and Pat McAfee look at each other after Uso’s win Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

WWE Will Leave Peacock for ESPN 6 Months Early

Peacock’s final show will be “Clash in Paris” on Aug. 31.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
Baseball

NCAA Settles With Volunteer Baseball Coaches for $49 Million

A similar suit brought by volunteer coaches of other sports remains open.
Hosszu
September 8, 2025

World Aquatics Reaches $4.6 Million Settlement With Pro Swimmers

Meanwhile, the International Swimming League’s case heads to trial in January.
Jon Gruden
September 10, 2025

NFL Asks Nevada Supreme Court to Rehear Jon Gruden Case

The arbitration fight between Gruden and the league continues.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Blue Jays
exclusive
September 5, 2025

MLBPA, DraftKings Agree to Settle NIL Suit

MLBPA said DraftKings and other sportsbooks improperly used players’ NIL.
Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
September 4, 2025

Jordan Can’t Bar Charter Sales Because NASCAR Agreed Not to Sell Charters

The contentious antitrust suit is slated to go to trial this December.
Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue scratches his head after calling a time out as forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walks past in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
September 4, 2025

Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged ‘No Show’ Job Is Latest in Complex Clippers Relationship

Leonard’s high-profile 2019 recruitment continues to generate headlines years later.
Megan Romano
September 4, 2025

The $800 Million Enhanced Games Lawsuit Could Have Legs

Antitrust experts say the case could have some merit.