Irving, TX — Panini America signed a multi-year trading card licensing deal with National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA).

Panini will introduce multiple NWSL-related products, including trading card products featuring some of its most popular brands, digital collectibles on Panini’s blockchain and an Official Sticker Collection. The partnership will begin with the launch of NWSL trading cards to coincide with the start of the season on its Panini Instant platform, which will recognize outstanding player performances and milestones throughout the NWSL season. The organizations will also collaborate on a number of fan marketing initiatives and NWSL team-specific and player-led activations.

“We’re proud and excited to be partnering with the NWSL and NWSLPA and creating new products that showcase the outstanding athletes competing in the NWSL,” said Mark Warsop, CEO for Panini America. “Having great partners like the NWSL and NWSLPA within our portfolio is another example of our continued commitment to celebrating both soccer and women’s sports.”

Panini has a storied history in soccer beginning with Serie A soccer going back to the company’s founding in 1961, being a partner of the FIFA World Cup since 1970 and other soccer licenses including U.S. Soccer, USMNT, USWNTPA, La Liga, The English Football League, and Barclays Women’s Super League. The company also has a strong presence in women’s sports, including the WNBA, WNBPA, multiple university athletic programs, and the 3-on-3 basketball league Unrivaled.

“As the NWSL continues to grow commercially and expand its fan base, partnering with Panini strengthens our presence in one of the most iconic categories in sports licensing,” said Katie Eaton, VP of Consumer Products for the NWSL. “Trading cards are a cornerstone of sports fandom, and working with a global leader like Panini allows us to showcase our players in new ways while meeting the growing demand for NWSL collectibles.”

“This partnership places NWSL athletes alongside the world’s top leagues, expanding their global exposure and connecting fans everywhere,” said Meghann Burke, Executive Director, NWSLPA. “Our players are global icons defining the next era of the sport, and this collaboration elevates their prominence on the international stage.”

OneTeam Partners, the NWSLPA’s exclusive commercial partner, led the renewal on behalf of the players.