Exclusive Deal Covers Trading Cards,
Jersey Patches, and More
FIFA and Fanatics have entered into a groundbreaking agreement to expand their partnership with exclusive rights for trading cards, stickers, and trading card games starting in 2031. This agreement includes both physical and digital formats, marking a major shift in the collectibles market.
From 2031, the agreement will introduce the player jersey patch programme to international football. Fans will have the chance to own collectibles featuring patches from player jerseys, a first for the sport. These innovative products will be developed under the Topps brand, acquired by Fanatics in 2022.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “Across the sports landscape, we see that Fanatics are driving massive innovation in collectibles that provides fans with a new, meaningful way to engage with their favorite teams and players.”
Global Distribution and Youth Support
Fanatics has pledged to distribute over $150 million worth of collectibles free of charge to youth football programmes worldwide. This initiative aims to engage younger audiences and promote football’s growth globally.
Michael Rubin, Fanatics founder and CEO, highlighted the partnership’s global impact, stating, “Global football is the biggest growth opportunity in sports, and when you combine the power of FIFA with the innovation and entrepreneurial backbone of Fanatics, together we’re poised to elevate storytelling and collectibles around the game.”
Fanatics Collectibles CEO, Mike Mahan, added, “We’re incredibly excited to partner with FIFA to deliver truly innovative products that bring fans and collectors closer to their favorite players in the biggest competitions. Through our cutting-edge offerings, we look forward to helping grow both the hobby and the global game as a whole.”
In a first, the pre-match press conferences for the FIFA World Cup Final will occur at Fanatics Fest on 17th July 2026. Coaches and players from participating teams will attend, making this event unique.
Fanatics Fest will also host a massive watch party for the FIFA World Cup Final on 19th July 2026 at New York City’s Javits Centre. This event promises to unite fans in celebration of the tournament’s final match.
As part of this collaboration, Fanatics will support youth football globally, further enhancing fan engagement through innovative products. This partnership sets the stage for a new era of football collectibles, merging game excitement with fan interaction worldwide.
Last updated: 8 May 2026, 9:21 am
