The sports card market structure has gotten complicated with all the licensing changes between Panini and Topps flying around. As someone who’s tracked these deals closely, I learned everything there is to know about what the exclusivity agreements mean for collectors. Today, I will share it all with you.
The Current Landscape
That’s what makes licensing endearing to us collectors following the industry — knowing who makes what helps you plan purchases and understand value drivers.
Current breakdown:
- Topps – Exclusive MLB license, also produces NFL and NBA now
- Panini – Lost MLB, now focused on collegiate and international
- Fanatics – Taking over everything starting in 2025-2026
What Happens When Licenses Change
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. When Panini lost the MLB license, their existing baseball cards didn’t disappear. They just became finite. No more new releases means supply is capped.
Some collectors hoard final-year products betting on future nostalgia. Others see it as the end of relevance. The market will decide who’s right.
The Fanatics Takeover
Fanatics acquired Topps and will eventually control card production across all major sports. What this means:
- Unified approach to card design and distribution
- Potential for cross-sport products
- Digital integration through Fanatics platforms
- Uncertainty about beloved existing brands
What Collectors Should Know
When a company loses a license:
- Final-year products sometimes appreciate (people chase “the last”)
- Brand names can disappear or transfer
- Autograph and relic contracts may not continue
- Redemptions become problematic after company exits
Parallel Legacy Products
Old products don’t lose value just because the company stopped making new cards. Vintage Topps remains valuable. Early Panini Prizm still commands premiums. Product quality matters more than current licensing status.
Making Smart Decisions
Don’t panic buy based on licensing news. The market tends to overreact to announcements in both directions. Products that were overpriced before license changes often remain overpriced after.
Focus on the fundamentals: player quality, card scarcity, and product reputation. Those factors matter more than which company name appears on the packaging.
