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...

Magic: The Gathering x Spider-Man & Avatar - What to Expect in 2025

Magic: The Gathering x Spider-Man & Avatar - What to Expect in 2025

Just when you thought Magic: The Gathering had peaked with its crossovers, 2025 is set to take things to another level. Two blockbuster franchises - Spider-Man and Avatar: The Last Airbender are swinging into the MTG universe, and collectors are already buzzing.

What Is Universes Beyond?

For those just catching up, Universes Beyond is Magic’s way of bringing iconic characters from other franchises into the game. Past releases have included Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who, Fallout, and Final Fantasy. Now, it’s time for two of pop culture’s most beloved worlds to join the fold.

Spider-Man Comes to MTG (Releasing September 26, 2025)

Marvel’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will headline a Universes Beyond set that’s already generating hype among comic fans and card collectors alike. The release is expected to feature Peter Parker, Miles Morales, Venom, and other well-known characters across powerful cards with new mechanics.

Wizards of the Coast has hinted that this set will balance playability with artwork that honors the Marvel legacy. Expect foil treatments, alternate comic-style art, and chase cards that may become instant collector staples.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (Late 2025)

Aang, Toph, Zuko, and Uncle Iroh are finally joining the game. The upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set is expected to blend elemental themes perfectly with Magic’s color wheel. Firebenders as red, waterbenders as blue, the flavor potential is massive.

Collectors can anticipate a Commander deck release along with boosters that may feature full-art cards, lore-heavy designs, and premium foil treatments for fan favorites. This crossover is ideal for both players and sealed box collectors looking for long-term value.

What This Means for Collectors

  • 🕷️ Spider-Man’s crossover is expected to have low print-run special editions. Watch for promos and exclusive drops.
  • 🔥 Avatar's fanbase and unique themes could make this one of the most collectible MTG releases ever.
  • 💰 Resale values are likely to spike around launch, especially for serialized or foil chase cards.
  • 🧠 Strategy players and investors should keep an eye on preorders and LGS allocations starting late summer.

Whether you’re a lifelong planeswalker or just love seeing pop culture and gaming collide, these 2025 Universes Beyond sets are going to be huge. Don’t wait until boxes are $300 on eBay, prepare now.

Which crossover are you more excited about Spidey or Aang? Let us know in the comments!

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