BACKPANINI AMERICA ANNOUNCES THE FIRST-EVER U.S. RELEASE OF ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE TRADING CARDS
Irving, TX – June 16, 2026 – Panini America, a subsidiary of the Panini Group, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company, announced today a new landmark product in partnership with the English Football League (EFL). For the first time, trading cards featuring all EFL Clubs across the EFL Championship, League One and League Two will be available in the United States.
The Panini Prestige EFL release will include a 300-card base set across all 72 clubs in the EFL for the 2025-26 season. The cards will be available in Hobby Preferred, International Mega Box and International Blaster configurations, with a variety of numbered parallels including Xtra Time Gold (#’d/10), Xtra Time Green (#’d/5) and Xtra Time Black (1-of-1). There are also special inserts like the ultra-rare short print Blank Slate and City Limits.
A wide range of EFL stars and legends who have featured in the League, including Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Tommy Conway, Jaden Philogene, Kieffer Moore, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer will have autographed cards available in the Panini Prestige set.
“We’re very proud to be working with the EFL and bringing this inaugural release of EFL trading cards to the United States,” said Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America. “The cards look great, and we think that this newest extension of Panini’s long heritage in the sport will really excite fans.”
The new Panini Prestige EFL collection will be available at major retailers and at Panini’s website starting next month.
EFL Chief Commercial Officer Ben Wright said:
“This is an exciting milestone for the EFL as we continue to grow our presence in the United States, where interest in our competitions is on the rise. Partnering with Panini to launch the first-ever U.S. trading card collection featuring all 72 Clubs is a major step in bringing the League closer to fans.
The history, culture and star power across the EFL make it a hugely compelling proposition – from iconic Clubs with passionate fanbases to emerging talent and globally recognised players and managers, all underpinned by the authenticity and competitiveness that define our competitions. This collection is a fantastic way to showcase that to an ever-growing audience.”
About Panini America
Panini America is a subsidiary of The Panini Group, established over 60 years ago in Modena, Italy with subsidiaries throughout Europe, Latin America and the United States. Panini is the world leader in officially licensed collectibles and is the most significant publisher of collectibles in the U.S., with official licenses for WNBA, WNBAPA, NASCAR, FIFA, the NWSL and NWSLPA, Unrivaled, LIV Golf, the Professional Fighters League, College, Disney, and other key properties from many other licensors. Panini is also the exclusive trading card and sticker partner of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Elite 11 and Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
Panini has distribution channels in more than 150 countries and employs a staff of over 1,200. For more information visit us at www.paniniamerica.net, www.paninigroup.com or
http://blog.paniniamerica.net/. You can also follow Panini America on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
About The EFL
Formed in 1888 by its 12 founder members, the EFL (English Football League) is the world’s original league football competition and is the template for leagues the world over.
The EFL is the largest single body of professional Clubs in European football and is responsible for administering and regulating the EFL, the Carabao Cup and the EFL Trophy, as well as reserve and youth football.
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