WNBPA and Panini extend partnership
Amid surging demand for women’s basketball in the collectibles market, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and Panini America, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company, announced a historic multi-year renewal that celebrates the players’ growing cultural and commercial influence both on and off the court. The new agreement marks the most lucrative licensing partnership ever for women athletes, continuing a collaboration driven by the rising popularity of WNBA players among collectors and fans.
Transforming the trading card market
Since reclaiming its group licensing rights from the league in 2018 and partnering exclusively with Panini for trading cards in 2019, the partnership has transformed the trading card market for women’s basketball, driving sales up more than one hundredfold. The new agreement builds on that success and is expected to generate record revenue and player royalties in the years ahead. The record-setting agreement was facilitated by OneTeam Partners, the WNBPA’s exclusive group licensing partner.
Exclusive licensee for WNBA
In this next phase, Panini will continue as the exclusive licensee for WNBA player trading cards across its leading brands including Prizm, Donruss, Select, and National Treasures, along with Panini Instant and its digital collectibles platform. Panini will also expand its investment in player marketing, product innovation, autograph deals, and sponsorship of events, including WNBPA Rookie Premiere, a business showcase for the league’s marketable new talents.