Fanatics secured an exclusive agreement with the NBA and the NBPA to produce tradings cards for collectors starting in 2026. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Fanatics will step in once Panini’s agreement with the NBA concludes.
Licensed sports giant Fanatics has reached a deal with the NBA and NBPA to replace Panini in 2026 for exclusive license to produce basketball cards – giving equity to players and league in the new trading cards venture.
Fanatics has now reached an exclusive agreement with the MLB, NBA, and NFL. The new deal with the MLB ended a 70-year relationship with Topps.