Panini America and the WNBA Reach a Historic Agreement
Panini America and the WNBA Players Association have finalized a new licensing agreement, the company announced on Thursday. This agreement represents the largest licensing deal on record for a women’s sports rights entity, according to sources close to the negotiation. The new agreement, which constitutes an extension between both parties, expands Panini America’s exclusive license agreement for WNBA collectibles, including trading cards. In addition, the agreement rewards players with higher revenues generated by the sale of collectibles in the Prizm, Donruss, Select, National Treasures lines, along with Panini Instant and its digital platform. The market for female sports collectibles has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, driven by WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. Panini has exclusive trading card and memorabilia deals with Clark and Reese; Bueckers has an exclusive trading card deal with Panini, but signed an exclusive memorabilia deal with Fanatics in early November.This agreement is exclusively between Panini and the WNBA Players Association; the league’s agreement with Panini remains in effect and is not affected by this extension. The WNBPA is in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with the WNBA, with a deadline extended to November 30.This renewal is about the players and the power we have built together. Panini has been with us as we push the women’s game forward, and their products showcase the reach and impact of our players in ways that feel real.
Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA President and Seattle Storm player
Although the duration and monetary value of the agreement were not announced, according to a source familiar with the finances, WNBA trading cards generate “in the mid-eight figures annually” for Panini.
Collaborating with the WNBPA has demonstrated how strong this market can be, and we are excited to continue innovating and expanding our product offerings for fans and collectors around the world.
Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America
