Panini America and the WNBA Players association have finalized a new licensing deal that sets a historic benchmark for women’s sports.
A booming market with one clear driving force
The agreement is now the largest on record for any women’s sports rightsholder, signaling just how quickly the collectibles market has grown. Much of that growth can be traced to the surge in attention around Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
Panini will remain the exclusive producer of WNBA trading cards and collectibles, including popular lines such as Prizm, Donruss, Select and National Treasures. The updated deal also ensures that WNBA players receive a larger share of the revenue as sales continue to climb.
Clark’s presence has reshaped the entire collectibles landscape. Her cards consistently sell out within minutes, and rare inserts often carry prices the hobby has never seen for a women’s athlete. That momentum has helped lift the entire WNBA market, with Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers adding even more national interest.
A major win for players and collectors
According to the Players association, the expansion of this partnership reflects the growing demand for women’s basketball. Fans have shown a stronger connection to the league’s stars, and that engagement has translated into meaningful financial gains for the athletes themselves.
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Digital collectibles and Panini Instant products are also included in the agreement, giving fans more ways to collect their favorite players in real time.
While specific contract numbers were not disclosed, a source familiar with Panini’s operations said WNBA card sales already generate mid-eight-figure revenue annually. With Clark headlining this new wave, those numbers are expected to rise even higher.
What this means moving forward
This agreement is made directly with the WNBPA and does not change Panini’s separate licensing deal with the league. The Players Association is still negotiating a new CBA with the WNBA, with a deadline approaching at the end of November.
Panini’s leadership has said they plan to continue expanding their WNBA products and introduce new ways to highlight the league’s biggest names. With Clark’s national profile still climbing, industry experts expect the demand for WNBA cards to continue outpacing previous years.
The partnership gives players a larger share of a booming market, collectors more premium products and the sport another sign of just how far women’s basketball has come.
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