# Collectibles Licensing Promotions FIFA & Fanatics Signed Its Long-Term Exclusive Collectibles Deal By Adam Harrie | Published 2026-05-11 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/longterm-exclusive-collectibles References: [businesswire](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260507105628/en/FIFA-and-Fanatics-Expand-Wide-Ranging-Relationship-to-Include-Historic-Exclusive-Collectibles-Agreement-Trading-Cards-Stickers-and-Trading-Card-Games)  FIFA and Fanatics signed a long-term exclusive collectibles licensing agreement covering trading cards, stickers and trading card games beginning in 2031, with all products produced through [Fanatics Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fanatics-card) under the [Topps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fan-set-card-collections) brand. The [FIFA Fanatics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fifa-collect) collectibles deal introduces jersey patch programs, including debut patches inserted into football trading cards, available in both physical and digital formats. Fanatics will distribute more than $150 million in collectibles free of charge to young fans worldwide throughout the partnership. The FIFA World Cup Final pre-match press conferences will also be held at Fanatics Fest NYC in July 2026, alongside a live watch party at the Javits Center. FIFA and Fanatics show how combining the world’s largest football platform with a leading collectibles company can create a new global category of fan engagement. Image Credit: Shutterstock/kovop ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.8/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 76% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Hybrid Physical-digital Collectibles:** A convergence of tangible trading cards and digital assets creates collectible ecosystems that blend provenance, interactive features, and cross-platform ownership models. - **Exclusive Long-term Licensing Partnerships:** Extended sole-supplier agreements between major sports bodies and single manufacturers concentrate brand control and enable vertically integrated product roadmaps tied to global event cycles. - **Event-centric Fan Engagement:** Large-scale fan festivals and integrated pre-match programming are being framed as immersive channels for product launches, community building, and realtime content monetization. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sports Merchandise and Licensing:** Centralized licensing deals reshape product assortments and distribution flows, creating opportunities for premium limited-edition runs and coordinated global drops. - **Digital Gaming and Collectible Platforms:** Card games and companion digital marketplaces stand to redefine collectible value through interoperable inventories, secondary markets, and play-to-earn mechanics. - **Events and Live Entertainment:** Festival-scale activations linked to marquee sports events serve as high-impact retail and experiential venues where exclusive collectibles and fandom rituals converge. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collectible Sticker Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacola-x-panini-america.md) - [Celebratory World Cup Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walkers-and-fifa.md) - [Soccer Collectible Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labubu-fifa-world-cup.md) - [Pet Team Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-fifa.md) - [Soccer-Themed Snack Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mondelz-products.md) - [Athlete-Inspired LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athleteinspired-lego-sets.md) - [Pop-Up Sports Hospitality](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-sports-hospitality.md) - [creator-led football competitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kings-league.md) - [Stadium Fan Festivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fan-festival.md)