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Panini has expanded its portfolio of sports trading cards through an exclusive deal with LIV Golf, announced on Thursday. This partnership, the first of its kind for Panini in the realm of golf, grants the company exclusive rights to create and distribute trading cards featuring LIV Golf's players. While Panini's history with golf cards dates back to Donruss brand cards in the early '80s, this marks a new venture since Panini's acquisition of Donruss.

The deal will see Panini developing an entirely new line of golf trading card products, aiming to offer something unique to fans and collectors worldwide. The initial offerings from Panini will encompass physical trading cards, including match-worn memorabilia and player autographs. Notably, the first LIV Golf trading cards will be released under Panini's Prizm and Impeccable brands, alongside a real-time Panini Instant card program that captures highlights and memorable moments from tournaments and seasons, as well as LIV Golf Team sets.

With 54 players committed to LIV Golf for 2024, the tour—founded in 2022 and supported by Saudi Arabian backing—features a majority of its 14 stops outside the U.S., introducing a team element to its 54-hole tournaments. Panini has already begun marketing the 2024 LIV team sets on its website, signaling the rapid development of this partnership.

LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Panini, highlighting the opportunity to introduce innovative products to a global audience of fans and collectors. The collaboration is seen as a way to elevate the profiles of LIV Golf players and teams in the collectibles space, a sentiment echoed by Majesticks GC co-captain Ian Poulter, who shared his excitement about joining forces with a leading trading card brand.

Panini America CEO Mark Warsop noted the unique and innovative format of LIV Golf as a key factor in forming this partnership, believing that the team and league structure offers new collectability aspects for fans. Warsop sees LIV Golf's appeal to younger audiences and its roster of world-class players as perfectly aligned with Panini's brand, setting the stage for a successful collaboration and building a lasting fan base.

As Panini prepares to launch this exciting new line, LIV Golf boasts a field of prominent players, including several major championship winners and other golf legends, ensuring a compelling product offering for golf enthusiasts and collectors alike. This partnership comes as Upper Deck is also set to release its latest golf set featuring PGA Tour stars, indicating a growing interest in golf memorabilia and trading cards.