News

On the same day Caitlin Clark's trading card rights transitioned from Fanatics/Topps to Panini America, the company unveiled exclusive trading card and memorabilia agreements with six elite high school basketball recruits. These deals highlight Panini's commitment to bolstering its roster with young talent and capitalize on the evolving NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape that allows high school athletes in certain states to engage in endorsement deals.

The athletes joining Panini’s lineup are:

• Carter Bryant, committed to the University of Arizona
• Zoom Diallo, committed to the University of Washington
• VJ Edgecombe, committed to Baylor University
• Ian Jackson, committed to the University of North Carolina
• Tahaad Pettiford, committed to Auburn University
• Jayden Quaintance, committed to the University of Kentucky

These new signings follow Panini's previous deal with Tre Johnson, a class of 2024 standout who has committed to the University of Texas, showcasing Panini's strategy of investing in the future stars of basketball.

The shift in Caitlin Clark’s trading card rights to Panini marks a significant moment, especially following her standout 41-point performance in the NCAA Women’s Tournament. Clark, who had recently inked an exclusive deal with Panini, is at the forefront of this new wave of athlete endorsements. While no new Clark cards were released on the inaugural day of the partnership, Panini's spokesperson assured that her cards and memorabilia—her autographed items having already sold out—are anticipated to be a significant part of their future offerings.

This movement not only underscores the lucrative potential of NIL deals for young athletes but also signifies a growing trend of trading card companies like Panini aggressively pursuing top talent from both high school and collegiate levels to expand their portfolios and connect with a new generation of sports fans.