Topps, a division of Fanatics Collectibles, has announced a significant expansion of its existing partnership with Disney Consumer Products. The new agreement grants Topps global rights to produce trading cards featuring iconic characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. This marks the first time Topps will develop and distribute physical Marvel trading cards on a global scale.
The expanded deal also continues Topps' long-standing global collaboration with Star Wars, a relationship that began in 1977 and has delighted collectors for decades.
First Release: Topps Finest X-Men '97
Under the new agreement, Topps will launch its first Marvel collectible trading cards in the first quarter of 2025 with Topps Finest X-Men '97. This release coincides with renewed interest in the X-Men franchise and represents a milestone for Topps as it ventures into global distribution of Marvel cards.
Global Collaboration on Physical and Digital Cards
The expanded partnership encompasses both physical and digital trading cards for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises worldwide. While Topps has previously released digital collectibles through the Disney Collect! and Marvel Collect! apps, this agreement significantly broadens their physical product offerings, especially in the United States.
"Topps has been a long-standing collaborator with Disney Consumer Products, driving physical and digital innovation in the trading card space," said Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products. "We're thrilled to officially expand our relationship with Topps to bring storytelling from across our brands to card collecting enthusiasts around the world."
Enhancing the Fan Experience
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, expressed enthusiasm about the strengthened partnership. "At Topps, we have a relentless focus on enhancing the fan experience, and this new expansion and extension will help us continue to work with Disney Consumer Products to bring the best innovation in the hobby to collectors," he said.
Leiner highlighted the companies' shared commitment to innovation and fan engagement. "Following up on our long-term collaboration, we're excited to build on the success we've had with Star Wars cards since 1977, including our recent release of Star Wars Chrome by Topps last month."
Previous Collaborations and Global Expansion
Topps has a history of producing Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars trading cards in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region through Topps.com and at local fan conventions. The new agreement extends these offerings globally, marking a significant expansion into the U.S. market and other regions.
By leveraging Disney's rich storytelling and Topps' expertise in collectible trading cards, the partnership aims to deliver innovative products that resonate with fans worldwide.
What's Next for Collectors
Collectors can look forward to a diverse range of new trading cards that celebrate the magic of Disney, the creativity of Pixar, the excitement of Marvel superheroes, and the epic adventures of Star Wars. The collaboration is expected to bring fresh designs, unique collectibles, and immersive experiences to the trading card hobby.
This expanded partnership between Topps and Disney Consumer Products signifies a new era for trading card enthusiasts, offering unparalleled access to some of the most beloved characters and stories in entertainment history.