WWE terminates partnership with Panini for breach of contract

  • Ian Carey
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UPDATE:

Panini has filed a lawsuit against WWE for terminating its contract. In its filing, Panini says that the contract was terminated in late August “with no warning whatsoever”.

WWE has also filed a lawsuit of their own, possibly relating to an injunction WWE is seeking to prevent Panini from selling WWE merchandise.

Original story:

WWE says trading card company Panini has violated the terms of their agreement. 

The company became WWE’s exclusive trading card and collectible sticker partner in 2021 but sports business reporter Darren Rovell is reporting WWE terminated the relationship two weeks ago for breach of contract. The multi-year agreement was said to have more than two years left. 

It is not clear what led to WWE terminating the agreement with Panini. As of this writing, WWE products are still being sold by the company. 

WWE announced a partnership with Fanatics last year that includes e-commerce, licensed merchandise, and trading cards/NFTs in addition to revamping WWEShop.com. As part of the announcement, it was revealed that Fanatics would receive the rights to WWE trading cards once the current agreement with Panini expired. Fanatics is now expected to receive the rights immediately. 

Rovell wrote:

JUST IN: Two weeks ago, the WWE terminated Panini for breach of contract with 2+ years left. The WWE says Panini, which is still selling product, is now in violation and will seek an injunction. Fanatics, which had deal starting in ‘26, is expected to get rights immediately. 

WWE’s press release from March 2022 announcing the Fanatics deal reads:

Fanatics acquired the legendary 70-year-old Topps brand earlier this year, which previously held a long-term relationship with WWE. That deal will commence when WWE’s existing trading cards rights expire over the next few years.