Fanatics vs Panini Antitrust Fight: What It Means for Licenses, Products, and Prices

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Fanatics vs. Panini: What the Antitrust Heat Could Mean for Licenses, Products, and Prices Fanatics locked up a raft of long exclusive trading-card licenses with the big U.S. leagues and players’ unions, then bought Topps. Panini sued for antitrust. A federal judge let the core claims move forward. Discovery is now spicy, with Fanatics ordered to hand over unredacted licensing deals to Panini’s lawyers. If you care about what logos show up on the box you rip and how much you pay, this fight matters. How we got here The license grab. Fanatics struck exclusive card deals that, by 2025–2026, put most major U.S. league and union rights under its roof for a decade or more. Panini called foul and sued in 2023. What the court said. In March 2025, the judge dismissed some counts but kept the core antitrust claims alive. Translation: the heart of the case is going to be litigated, not tossed. Discovery fireworks. In July 2025, a magistrate judge ordered Fanatic...
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Topps Is Back: New Premier League Collection 2025/26 Brings Ultra-Rare Cards, Stunning Parallels & Golden Boot Tins

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Topps Premier League 2025/26 – The Most Ambitious Football Card Set Ever?


Topps is officially back as the exclusive trading card partner of the Premier League, and the 2025/26 set is nothing short of a game-changer. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a casual fan, or just discovering The Hobby, this product line is designed to offer something thrilling in every rip.

🏆 Base Cards, But Not So Basic

This season’s foundation is built on a checklist of 280 players – that’s 14 from each of the 20 Premier League clubs – plus team badge cards. It’s the perfect start for collectors who love building full squads and learning the faces behind the shirts.

What’s new? Each pack includes a mix of base and insert cards, and thanks to a rainbow of vibrant parallels – including retail-exclusive Blue (1:2 packs), Yellow (1:4), and Green (1:8) – no two rips feel the same.

🌈 Parallels: Every Collector’s Obsession

Parallel cards are alternate-colour versions of standard cards, and this year they’re more exciting than ever:

  • Retail Parallels: Blue, Yellow, Green
  • Display Box Parallels: Mini Diamonds, numbered
  • Hobby-Only: Rainbow Foils, low-numbered or even 1-of-1s

Holiday exclusives like Gold Rainbow Lazers and Festive Freeze parallels add even more seasonal flavor for 2025.

🃏 Insert Sets: Creative, Collectible, and Fun

Topps is flexing its creative muscles this year with some of the most diverse insert sets ever released in a football collection:

  • Generation Now: Rising stars of the new era
  • Throwback Threads: Retro kit vibes
  • Full Force & Beast Mode: Power and energy in motion
  • Chrome King: Legends printed on premium stock
  • Gold Lion: 1-per-box premium gold inserts

Most inserts also come with parallels – from Pink Sparkles to Foilfractor 1-of-1s. In short: every insert could be a monster pull.

✍️ Autographs & Chase Cards

This is the first time in years that autographs are widely available at retail. Signatures from legends like Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer, Wayne Rooney, and more can be found across multiple themes, with odds as good as 1:168 packs.

🔥 Other ultra-rares to hunt:

  • Diamond Rookies: Short-printed debut cards (1:500 packs)
  • Premier Pulls: Limited to 1:100 packs
  • Chrome King Gemstone Parallels: Ruby /5, Diamond /25, and more

🎁 Which Product Format Is Right for You?

  • Starter Pack: 10-card pack + Gold Lion insert + binder
  • Booster Box: 28 retail packs for set builders
  • Mega Tins: 4 packs + 3 exclusive LEs + 1:15 odds at Chrome King parallel
  • Super Tins: Premium pulls + Hall of Fame editions + best hit rates

📲 Scan & Track Your Collection

Every card now includes a QR code linking to the Topps digital hub — so you can check print runs, log your hits, and access educational videos. A smart addition for collectors of all ages.

💬 Final Thoughts: A Must-Buy Set?

Topps has nailed the balance between nostalgia, collectability, and modern flair. With deep checklists, bold designs, and a ton of parallels, the 2025/26 Premier League set feels like a flagship release. If you’re into soccer, shiny cardboard, or just love the thrill of the chase — this one’s for you.

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