Panini America, USA Baseball Extend Exclusive Trading Card Deal

By Ryan Cracknell | Hobby Editor

Panini America and USA Baseball are continuing to work together. Under the deal, Panini maintains exclusive rights to produce cards of past and present members of the United States national team.

With the new long-term agreement, Panini will produce one standalone USA Baseball set each year. Players will also be incorporated throughout Panini’s other MLBPA-licensed baseball releases.

Panini is the only company that can make cards using USA Baseball marks as well as members of the Collegiate, 18U and 15U National Teams.

During international play, USA Baseball uniforms will now include a Panini America patch.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership and we are excited to work with them on new programs leading our pastime’s future to new heights,” said David Perkins, USA Baseball’s Chief Operating Officer via press release.

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our exclusive partnership with USA Baseball during the first five years and we’re excited about our future together,” said Jim Stefano, Panini America Senior Director of Product Development.

Panini first secured the USA Baseball exclusive in 2012 taking over from Topps. 2017 Panini Stars and Stripes Baseball is the first product under the extended agreement.

Comments? Questions? Contact Ryan Cracknell on Twitter @tradercracks.