Panini, known for its diverse range of sports trading cards, has officially announced a groundbreaking partnership with LIV Golf, marking their foray into the world of golf collectibles. This exclusive deal with LIV Golf grants Panini the sole rights to produce and distribute trading cards featuring prominent players from the golf league.
Having a rich history in the realm of golf cards through the Donruss brand cards since the early ’80s, Panini is now set to explore uncharted territory with this new venture following their acquisition of Donruss. The collaboration aims to introduce a fresh line of golf trading card products that will captivate fans and collectors worldwide.
Panini’s upcoming offerings will include a wide array of physical trading cards, including those featuring match-worn memorabilia and player autographs. The initial releases under the partnership will be part of Panini’s popular brands, Prizm and Impeccable. Additionally, a real-time card program called Panini Instant will capture thrilling highlights and memorable moments from LIV Golf tournaments and seasons, along with a series of LIV Golf Team sets.
As LIV Golf boasts 54 players signed on for the 2024 season, with most of its 14 tour stops taking place outside the United States, the league, established in 2022 with strong backing from Saudi Arabia, offers a unique team component to its 54-hole tournaments. Panini has wasted no time, already promoting the 2024 LIV team sets on its platform, showcasing the rapid progress of this newly formed collaboration.
Greg Norman, Commissioner and CEO of LIV Golf, expressed his excitement about partnering with Panini, emphasizing the opportunity to introduce innovative products to a global audience of avid fans and collectors. This collaboration is seen as a way to enhance the visibility of LIV Golf players and teams within the collectibles sector, a sentiment echoed by Ian Poulter, Majesticks GC co-captain, who shared his enthusiasm for joining forces with a leading trading card brand.
Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America, highlighted the distinctive and forward-thinking format of LIV Golf as a crucial factor in establishing this partnership. Warsop believes that the team and league setup of LIV Golf presents fresh avenues for fan engagement and collectability, particularly appealing to younger audiences. With LIV Golf’s impressive lineup of world-class players aligning seamlessly with Panini’s brand, the stage is set for a fruitful collaboration that aims to cultivate a devoted fan base.
With Panini gearing up to unveil this exciting new line of golf trading cards, LIV Golf showcases a roster of renowned players, including major championship winners and golf legends, promising a compelling product range for enthusiasts and collectors alike. This partnership unfolds amidst Upper Deck’s preparations to launch its latest golf card set featuring stars from the PGA Tour, underlining the growing interest in golf memorabilia and trading cards within the sports collectibles market.
