Panini America, a powerhouse in sports and entertainment collectibles, has teamed up with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a rapidly growing and innovative sports organization. This strategic partnership marks a significant advancement in the world of MMA trading cards.
The collaboration between Panini and PFL will bring forth a new wave of products to the market. Starting with the launch of Panini Instant, a real-time platform that provides fans with timely collectibles directly, the partnership will then introduce PFL Prizm later in the year, expected to be a cornerstone product in the trading card realm.
Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations, exudes excitement about the potential of this partnership. He acknowledges the PFL’s global reach and rapid growth, foreseeing a boost in the already thriving MMA trading card sector through exclusive Panini products featuring PFL athletes and events.
Bryan Calka, Chief Commercial Officer of the PFL, echoes this enthusiasm, recognizing Panini America as a leader in collectibles. He emphasizes the PFL’s dedication to offering high-value experiences to MMA fans worldwide, a commitment that is poised to be elevated through this alliance with Panini.
A unique feature of this partnership will be the introduction of digital trading card collectibles, including NFTs, catering to the evolving preferences of collectors who are leaning towards digital formats alongside physical cards.
The timing of this collaboration is crucial, as the PFL gears up to kick off the second half of its 2024 Global Season on June 13 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The season will continue with events in Salt Lake City and South Dakota, where fighters across six weight classes will vie for playoff spots and the prestigious title of PFL World Champion, along with a $1 million prize.
Setting itself apart in the MMA arena, the PFL follows a sports-season format akin to major leagues, with athletes engaging in regular season matches, playoffs, and a championship. The league not only enhances visibility through its innovative SmartCage technology, supporting advanced fight analytics and a modern viewing experience, but also expands globally with ventures like PFL Europe and PFL MENA.
As a subsidiary of the Panini Group based in Italy, Panini America brings over sixty years of industry experience and holds partnerships across various sports and entertainment domains. With a strong global presence and distribution network, Panini ensures that PFL trading cards will reach a broad audience, elevating the presence and desirability of both brands in the collectibles market.
The partnership between Panini America and the Professional Fighters League is poised to redefine the sports memorabilia landscape, merging innovation with the exhilarating world of MMA. Fans can anticipate a diverse array of collectibles that celebrate the sport’s dynamic essence and its remarkable athletes.
