Panini America, known as the global giant in sports and entertainment collectibles, has teamed up with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), the rapidly growing and innovative sports league, in a multi-year trading card deal that is set to shake up the MMA trading card scene.

This strategic partnership between Panini and PFL promises a host of fresh and exciting products for fans. The collaboration will debut with the launch of Panini Instant, a real-time platform providing direct-to-consumer collectibles for MMA enthusiasts. Following this will be the introduction of PFL Prizm later in the year, a highly anticipated addition to the trading card market.

Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations, is thrilled about this new venture. He sees the PFL’s impressive growth and global influence as a perfect match to invigorate the already lively MMA trading card category in Panini’s lineup. This partnership aims to offer fans exclusive collectibles featuring PFL athletes and events, deepening their engagement with the sport.

Bryan Calka, the Chief Commercial Officer of the PFL, shares this excitement, recognizing Panini America’s expertise in collectibles. He emphasizes the PFL’s dedication to providing premium experiences to MMA fans worldwide, which is expected to be further elevated through this collaboration with Panini.

A standout feature of this partnership is the inclusion of digital trading card collectibles, including NFTs, catering to the evolving preferences of collectors embracing digital formats alongside physical cards.

The timing of this collaboration coincides with the PFL’s upcoming 2024 Global Season, set to kick off on June 13 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. This season will feature events in Salt Lake City and South Dakota, where fighters across six weight classes will battle for playoff spots and the coveted title of PFL World Champion, along with a $1 million prize.

The PFL’s unique format with a regular season, playoffs, and championship sets it apart in the MMA world. The league’s innovative SmartCage technology enhances fight analytics and viewing experiences, while global expansion efforts like PFL Europe and PFL MENA further raise the sport’s profile.

As a subsidiary of the Panini Group in Italy, Panini America brings over 60 years of industry experience and strong partnerships in sports and entertainment. With a vast distribution network, the company ensures that PFL trading cards will reach a broad audience, boosting the visibility and appeal of both brands in the collectibles market.

The partnership between Panini America and the Professional Fighters League promises to redefine sports memorabilia with an innovative twist on MMA trading card collectibles. Fans can anticipate a diverse range of products celebrating the dynamic nature of the sport and its athletes, setting a new standard in the world of collectibles.

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