Panini's NFL license ended on March 31, 2023
Panini, the Italian trading card company, stopped making official NFL cards on March 31, 2023. The NFL did not renew Panini's contract and instead gave the exclusive license to Fanatics, a sports merchandise company. This meant Panini could no longer print new NFL cards after that date, though cards already printed and in stores remained legal to buy and sell.
The shift happened because the NFL wanted to consolidate its trading card business. Before 2023, three companies shared the license: Panini, Topps, and Upper Deck. The NFL decided to move everything to Fanatics starting in 2024, which meant Panini's 16-year run as an NFL card maker ended.
If you own Panini NFL cards, they do not lose value or become invalid just because the company no longer has the license. Collectors still buy and trade Panini cards from past years. The change only affects new cards — Panini cannot print fresh NFL products anymore.
Key Takeaways
- Panini's NFL card license expired on March 31, 2023, and the NFL gave the exclusive license to Fanatics instead.
- Panini had made official NFL cards since 2007, but the NFL decided to move all card production to a single company.
- Panini cards printed before the license ended remain valid and collectible; the license change only stops new Panini NFL products.
- Fanatics began releasing official NFL cards in 2024 with new designs and production methods.
Why the NFL ended Panini's license
The NFL wanted to streamline its trading card business. Having three separate companies — Panini, Topps, and Upper Deck — meant three different designs, three different release schedules, and three different quality standards. Collectors had to choose which brand to buy, and retailers had to stock all three.
Fanatics offered the NFL a deal to consolidate everything under one roof. Fanatics already handled merchandise, apparel, and other NFL products, so moving cards under their control made the business simpler. The NFL also believed Fanatics could invest more heavily in card production and innovation than Panini could.
Panini did not lose the license because of poor quality or rule-breaking. It was a business decision by the NFL to centralize production. Panini still makes cards for other sports and leagues — they continue to produce basketball, soccer, and other trading cards outside the NFL.
What happened to Panini's existing inventory
Panini had printed cards through early 2023 in preparation for the season. When the license ended on March 31, those remaining cards in warehouses and retail stores could still be sold. Retailers had a grace period to clear out Panini stock, and many ran sales to move inventory before Fanatics products arrived.
Panini also had contracts with retail partners and distributors that had to be unwound. Some retailers received compensation for unsold stock, while others negotiated to return products. The transition took several months, but by mid-2023, most Panini NFL cards had either sold or been pulled from shelves.
How Fanatics changed NFL card production
Fanatics introduced new card designs, new player photos, and new production technology starting in 2024. Their cards look noticeably different from Panini's — the borders, fonts, and overall layout changed. Fanatics also announced plans to use blockchain technology and digital authentication to track cards and prevent counterfeits.
Fanatics released their first products in early 2024, starting with base sets and special editions. They also changed the distribution model, selling directly to consumers through their own website in addition to traditional retail partners. This gave collectors a new way to buy cards and gave Fanatics more control over pricing and availability.
The production quality and card stock feel different from Panini products. Some collectors prefer the older Panini cards, while others like Fanatics' new approach. Both are legitimate NFL cards, but they appeal to different preferences.
What this means for collectors who own Panini cards
If you have Panini NFL cards from 2007 to 2023, they remain authentic and collectible. The license change does not invalidate them or reduce their value. In fact, some Panini cards have become more sought-after by collectors who prefer that era's designs or specific players featured on them.
The resale market for Panini cards continues to function normally. You can sell them on eBay, PWCC Marketplace, or other trading card platforms. Grading companies like PSA and Beckett still grade Panini cards, and the grades hold their meaning in the collector market.
Some collectors view the end of Panini production as a milestone. Certain Panini sets from the final year (2023) may become more valuable over time straightforward because they were the last official NFL cards Panini made. This is similar to how the final cards from other companies often attract collector interest.
The timeline of Panini's NFL license
Panini began making official NFL cards in 2007. For 16 years, they were one of the primary sources for NFL trading cards alongside Upper Deck and later Topps. During that time, Panini released dozens of sets each year, from base sets to premium products aimed at serious collectors.
In 2021, the NFL announced it would not renew all three licenses. Topps had already lost its MLB license in 2021 and was struggling, so the NFL decided to move forward with consolidation. Panini and Upper Deck both knew their licenses were ending, giving them time to plan their exit.
The final Panini NFL products shipped in early 2023. The company announced the end date publicly so retailers and collectors could prepare. By the time March 31, 2023 arrived, most people in the hobby knew the change was coming.
Where to find information about Panini's final products
Panini's official website still exists and contains archives of their NFL products. You can see which sets they released each year and find product information. However, Panini no longer updates the site with new NFL content since they no longer hold the license.
Trading card databases like TCGPlayer and PWCC maintain complete records of every Panini NFL set ever released. These sites let you search by year, player, or set name to find cards you are looking for. Prices on these sites reflect what collectors are currently paying in the secondary market.
Collector forums and Reddit communities dedicated to NFL cards still discuss Panini products. Long-time collectors share information about rare cards, production errors, and which sets are worth holding onto. These communities are good places to learn about Panini's history and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Panini NFL cards still worth money?
Yes. Panini cards from 2007 to 2023 remain collectible and have resale value. Some cards are worth more than others depending on the player, the set, and the card's condition. The license ending does not erase the value — it only stops new Panini NFL products from being made.
Can I still buy new Panini NFL cards?
No. Panini cannot print new NFL cards after March 31, 2023. You can only buy Panini cards that were printed before that date and are still in circulation. Once those sell out, no more Panini NFL cards will be produced.
Should I switch to Fanatics cards or keep collecting Panini?
That depends on your preference. Some collectors stick with older Panini cards because they like the designs or specific players. Others collect both Panini and Fanatics cards. There is no right answer — collect what you enjoy and what fits your budget.
Did Upper Deck also lose its NFL license?
Yes. Upper Deck's NFL license also ended when Panini's did. Upper Deck had made NFL cards since the 1990s, but the NFL consolidated production to Fanatics. Upper Deck continues to make cards for other sports like hockey and baseball.
Will Panini ever get the NFL license back?
It is unlikely in the near future. The NFL gave Fanatics an exclusive license, meaning no other company can make official NFL cards while that contract is active. Fanatics' contract terms have not been publicly disclosed, so it is unknown when or if the license might open up again.