logo
ISA Grading Advertisement

NFLPA Faces $7 Million Loss to Panini Over Trading Card Deal Termination

* We may earn a commission from purchases made through our affiliate links.

NFL-Panini-Logo.jpg
In a significant setback for Lloyd Howell, the new executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the union has been ordered to pay $7 million to Panini. The arbitration ruling stems from last year's abrupt termination of their exclusive trading card contract.

The dispute arose when the NFLPA decided to end its agreement with Panini after several key Panini employees were recruited by Fanatics. The NFLPA justified the termination by citing a "change in control" clause in the contract. However, Panini argued that the clause was used as a pretext for the NFLPA to switch to Fanatics. The arbitrators sided with Panini.

“The unanimous decision of the arbitrators confirms what we have said from the beginning: The NFLPA’s termination of its contract with Panini violated its legal obligation to Panini, its moral obligation to fans and collectors, and its fiduciary duties to its members,” said Panini’s attorney David Boies. “The PA’s actions cost its members millions of dollars in damages and lost royalties. The damages would have been many times greater except for Panini’s commitment to protecting fans and collectors, and the players themselves, by continuing to supply cards despite the PA’s purported termination.”

Although Fanatics was not involved in this arbitration, Panini has filed a separate antitrust and tortious interference lawsuit against them. The NFLPA has not yet responded to requests for comment from Puck.news.

This ruling not only imposes a financial burden on the NFLPA but also raises concerns about the union's contractual commitments and the potential impact on its members and the trading card community.

Share:

PWCC Auction Advertisement

0 Comments

Related

Sports Card News

Angel Reese’s Historic Milestone Keeps Her Rookie Cards in the Conversation


  • bionic Avatar
  • by bionic
  • June 11, 2025, 10:37 am

Angel Reese’s Historic Milestone Keeps Her Rookie Cards in the Conversation


Angel Reese might still be finding her rhythm in her second WNBA season, but she’s already left a mark in league history. During a recent matchup against the New York Liberty, the Chicago Sky forward became the fastest player to notch 30 career double...

Read More

Joe Montana Rookie Cards See Steady Climb as Icon Status Holds Strong


  • bionic Avatar
  • by bionic
  • June 13, 2025, 10:33 am

Joe Montana Rookie Cards See Steady Climb as Icon Status Holds Strong


Even after decades away from the game, Joe Montana's presence in the football card market hasn’t faded. His 1981 Topps rookie card, long considered a staple in the hobby, continues to draw interest from collectors—especially in higher grades. Monta...

Read More

Pete Rose Rookie Card Values Climb After MLB Lifts Lifetime Ban


  • bionic Avatar
  • by bionic
  • June 8, 2025, 10:30 am

Pete Rose Rookie Card Values Climb After MLB Lifts Lifetime Ban


A month after Major League Baseball stunned fans by removing Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson from its permanently ineligible list, the card market is already showing the ripple effects—especially when it comes to Rose’s coveted rookie card. The ...

Read More