USA Baseball, Panini America Extend Deal

IRVING, Texas—Sports collectible company Panini America and USA Baseball, which first partnered in 2012, have agreed to a long-term extension of their deal.

Under the deal, Panini America continues as the official baseball card-maker of USA Baseball and gives Panini America exclusive rights to trading cards for USA Baseball as well as Collegiate, 18U and 15U national teams. The agreement also permits Panini America logo patches to be added to USA Baseball uniforms used in international competition.

The first product under the new extension, 2017 Stars & Stripes USA Baseball, arrives today and incorporates members of the 2016 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team as well as the 18U and 15U National Teams, and the 17U and 14U National Team Development Programs. 2017 Stars & Stripes USA Baseball also will deliver unique autograph and game-worn memorabilia cards from the players.

“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. “Being able to develop content that represents the Red, White and Blue and the players that proudly wear that uniform has been rewarding for us and has allowed us to enrich our baseball product portfolio.”

“Over the past five years Panini America has done an unprecedented job fostering the USA Baseball brand in the trading card category,” said David Perkins, USA Baseball Chief Operating Officer. “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.”