Panini America is the new exclusive trading cards partner of the NWSL and the Players' Association.
The two sides reached a multi-year agreement will begin with the launch of NWSL trading cards to coincide with the start of the season on its Panini Instant platform. The league kicks off Friday with a match between the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns FC. All 16 clubs are in action this weekend.
“We’re proud and excited to be partnering with the NWSL and NWSLPA and creating new products that showcase the outstanding athletes competing in the NWSL,” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop in a statement. “Having great partners like the NWSL and NWSLPA within our portfolio is another example of our continued commitment to celebrating both soccer and women’s sports.”
In addition to training cards, Panini will introduce NWSL digital collectibles on Panini’s blockchain and an official sticker collection, which is a long-standing staple of Panini, which first rose to international fame due to its World Cup sticker collection.
“As the NWSL continues to grow commercially and expand its fan base, partnering with Panini strengthens our presence in one of the most iconic categories in sports licensing,” said Katie Eaton, VP of Consumer Products for the NWSL. “Trading cards are a cornerstone of sports fandom, and working 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 two parties was facilitated by OneTeam Partners, the NWSLPA’s exclusive commercial partner
“This partnership places NWSL athletes alongside the world’s top leagues, expanding their global exposure and connecting fans everywhere,” said Meghann Burke, Executive Director, NWSLPA. “Our players are global icons defining the next era of the sport, and this collaboration elevates their prominence on the international stage.”
Matt Liberman is a reporter and video producer for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.