Matt Lieberman
Panini America is the new exclusive trading card partner of the NWSL and Players Association.
The parties have reached a multi-year agreement that will begin with the launch of NWSL trading cards on its Panini Instant platform to coincide with the start of the season. The league kicks off on Friday with a game between the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns. All 16 clubs will be playing this weekend.
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“We are proud and excited to partner with the NWSL and NWSLPA to create new products that showcase the elite athletes competing in the NWSL,” Panini America CEO Mark Warsop said in a statement. “Having great partners like the NWSL and NWSLPA in our portfolio is another example of our continued commitment to celebrating soccer and women’s sports.”
In addition to training cards, Panini will also launch NWSL digital collectibles and official sticker series on the Panini blockchain, a long-time staple of Panini that originally became internationally known for its World Cup sticker series.
“As the NWSL continues to grow its commerce and expand its fan base, this partnership with Panini will strengthen our presence in one of the most iconic categories in sports licensing,” said Katie Eaton, vice president of consumer products for the NWSL. “Trading cards are a cornerstone of sports fandom, and partnering with a global leader like Panini allows us to showcase our players in new ways while meeting the growing demand for NWSL collectibles.”
The agreement between the parties was brokered by OneTeam Partners, NWSLPA’s exclusive commercial partner
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“This partnership places NWSL athletes alongside the world’s top leagues, expanding their global exposure and connecting fans around the world,” said Meghann Burke, executive director of the NWSLPA. “Our players are global icons defining the next era of the sport, and this partnership elevates their standing on the international stage.”
Matt Liberman is a journalist and video producer at cllct, the premier collectible culture company.
