• Loading stock data...
Friday, April 11, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Panini Picks Up Legal Win, Will Still Make WWE Trading Cards

  • New York judge denies WWE’s bid for restraining order
  • Panini continues to wage larger legal battle against Fanatics
WWE-Wrestling-Ring
Dylan Azari / USA TODAY NETWORK

Panini has picked up a key legal win in its fight with WWE, as the embattled trading card company will still produce licensed cards for the pro wrestling property while their broader dispute continues.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York denied a temporary restraining order sought by WWE, which alleged that Panini breached its contract and is seeking to take its trading card rights to rival entity Fanatics.

WWE said that Panini failed to produce licensed products by June 2022, as stipulated in their deal, leading to the alleged breach and termination of the contract last month. The court has not yet fully documented its reasoning for denying WWE’s request. However, temporary restraining orders are often granted on the basis of immediate and irreparable harm, which WWE may have had difficulty showing given the contract issue dates back nearly 15 months. 

Fighting For Survival

The WWE contract issue continues while Panini is battling a bigger legal issue with Fanatics, one that will likely make a huge impact on Panini’s long-term survival. 

Panini and Fanatics sued each other last month, with Panini firing first with an antitrust suit in Florida, and Fanatics quickly responding with a countermeasure in New York alleging a series of unfair competitive practices.

That matter remains in its preliminary stages, as the final legal venue, among other key initial issues, is yet to be decided.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 9, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrons move about the course during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

From Green Jackets to Black Cards: Masters VIP Arms Race Escalates

One hospitality space is driving more than $40 million of revenue.

Why Augusta National Had a Say in Jason Day’s Masters Fit

The golfer’s clothing had to be approved by Augusta National.

Bear Market Booms at The Masters: $250 Teddy Resells for Thousands

Limited-edition bears are selling out within minutes at Augusta National.
Mar 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Ball Arena.

NBA Coaching Chaos: How CBA May Have Impacted Recent Firings

The league’s two-apron salary structure severely restricts roster construction.

Featured Today

The pin flag on the second green flaps in the wind during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Inside The Masters: Traditions, Restrictions, and Gnomes

How the most exclusive major employs its own strict rules and operations.
Mar 16, 2023; Sacramento, CA, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Kobe Brown (24) reacts after scoring a basket agianst the Utah State Aggies during the second half at Golden 1 Center.
exclusive
April 6, 2025

‘It’s On Principle’: NBA Players On Filing for House Settlement Checks

The checks are relatively small. That’s not the point, players say.
Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) before playing against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
April 5, 2025

As College Basketball Teams Got Older, Duke Embraced the Fountain of Youth

How the Blue Devils went old-school in the transfer portal era.
Mar 1, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) and center Olivier Rioux (32) and guard Alijah Martin (15) and forward Thomas Haugh (10) huddle after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center
April 4, 2025

How Florida Built a Final Four Roster With ‘Under-Recruited’ Players

“We’ve never gotten a single player because we’re the highest bidder.”

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.
March 24, 2025

Why Pro Athletes Are Getting First Look at Start-Up Deals: ‘Shark Tank’..

Rashaun Williams was an early investor in companies like DraftKings and Coinbase.
Sponsored

League One Volleyball’s Defining Moment: A Championship Years in the Making

Volleyball has long thrived at the youth level—now it’s transforming professionally. The LOVB Finals mark a pivotal moment for the sport.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.
March 4, 2025

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back Ever

Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season with the Eagles.
February 18, 2025

Tiger Woods Signs First PGA Tour Player to Wear Sun Day Red

Karl Vilips will wear Sun Day Red at his season debut at the Mexico Open.
Teammates embrace during matchup in The Hundred cricket league
February 15, 2025

Google, Microsoft, Adobe CEOs Buy Stakes in Cricket League

The England and Wales Cricket Board raised £520m by selling team stakes.