• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

Trading Card Wars Unfold As Panini and Fanatics Clash in Legal Battles

  • Panini and Fanatics continue to battle in court.
  • FIFA has extended its World Cup deal with Panini.
Fanatics is buying auction marketplace PWCC.
Fanatics

The two biggest players in the sports trading card space continue to deliver blows as competition for business grows stiffer and a legal battle gets messier.

In a rare win for Panini, the company recently extended its FIFA World Cup collectibles rights through 2030. Fanatics, though, has been taking other clients from Panini, and even got the NFLPA and WWE to end their Panini deals early in order to jump to Fanatics sooner. This week, Fanatics made its latest splash with a trading card release featuring Tom Brady on the Montreal Expos, the MLB team he never played for but who drafted him in the 18th round with the 507th pick back in 1995.

The back-and-forth has been accompanied by an antitrust lawsuit filed in August in which Panini accused Fanatics of violating federal law with its dominant entry into the trading card business. Fanatics has since countersued, saying Panini’s case is “not only legally baseless, but also hypocritical.” Fanatics also claimed Panini is threatening some of its current and former employees with litigation if they were to join Fanatics.

In the latest court filing on Dec. 8, Panini called Fanatics’ legal action a “public relations ploy” intended to lessen the impact of Panini’s original lawsuit. “The complaint is a screed consisting mainly of inappropriate commentary, argument, and derogatory statements directly responsive to allegations in the antitrust action,” Panini said. The company wants Fanatics’ suit dismissed.

A ruling in the case could come before the end of the year. For now, the trading card wars continue.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Signs promoting the FIFA World Cup Final coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2024. The World Cup is held every four years and the 2026 World Cup Final match will be played at MetLife Stadium.

High Ticket Prices Define First World Cup Presale

Most fans weren’t picked for the pricey first presale window.

FIFA Won’t Move 2026 World Cup Matches Despite Trump Remarks

The organization’s VP pushes back on recent comments from Trump.
Apr 16, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis speaks during a FIFA Club World Cup press conference at Audi Field.

San Diego Wave Owners Sue Jill Ellis for Abandoning Team After Sale

Ellis allegedly broke a pledge by leaving for FIFA after the sale.

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.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
March 11, 2025

Dick’s Faces Investor Concerns Over Tariffs Despite Record Quarter

The prominent retailer offers an uncertain outlook due to economic challenges.
AA Mint Cards
May 18, 2025

Young Collectors Are on a High-Stakes Chase for Ultra-Rare Trading Cards

“They just want that excitement of the chase,” says a 23-year-old collector.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Super Bowl LIX signage at the Hyatt Hotel.
February 4, 2025

New Orleans Home Rentals Skyrocket Around Super Bowl

Short-term rental revenue has already reached $10.5 million.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Sponsored

FOS Holiday Gift Guide 2024

The Front Office Sports Holiday Gift Guide is back, featuring an exclusive lineup of athlete-owned brands that sports fans will love.
November 4, 2024

Super Bowl Ads Sell Out Three Months Early, at Record Price

Ad units are believed to be selling at more than $7 million per 30 seconds.