Panini America Inks Exclusive Trading Card Agreement with University of Notre Dame

January 04, 2019

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Panini America, the world leader in licensed sports and entertainment collectibles and the exclusive trading card partner of the NFL, NFLPA, NBA, NBA Players and more than 200 colleges and universities, announced today that it has reached an exclusive multi-year trading card agreement with the University of Notre Dame that will begin in April. Panini America officials made the announcement today with the help of Notre Dame legend Tim Brown during a press event in advance of the College Football National Championship in San Jose, Calif. Fermata Partners, the University’s trademark licensing representative, negotiated the deal on behalf of Notre Dame.

The new pact gives Panini America the exclusive rights to produce licensed trading cards featuring former Notre Dame football, basketball and baseball players, as well as former athletes from other sports. The first Panini Notre Dame trading cards will be featured in the company’s Contenders Draft Picks and Prizm Draft Picks products that will release in early April.

“We’ve been producing creative and compelling college trading cards honoring more than 200 schools from across the country for several years and we’ve had great success with that part of our business,” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop. “But the ability to finally be able to welcome Notre Dame into the Panini America fold is something we’re extremely proud of; there is such a rich history with Notre Dame and we look forward to producing unique trading cards for the Fighting Irish faithful, some of the most passionate fans in the world.”

“I’ve worked with Panini America for a number of years producing cards of me as an NFL player and Pro Football Hall of Famer,” said Brown, the Notre Dame Heisman Trophy winner and College and Pro Football Hall of Famer. “They’re creative and high-quality and cutting-edge and I’m thrilled that both Panini and Notre Dame have come to this agreement so that they can recognize and highlight all the great athletes that have played for Notre Dame.”

“Panini’s creativity and partnerships will provide Notre Dame fans with new and dynamic trading cards,” said Tomi Gerhold, Director of Licensing for the University of Notre Dame. “We look forward to working with them and seeing Fighting Irish trading cards available next spring.”