Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Panini America has announced a partnership with the English Football League to produce the first trading card set featuring EFL clubs available in the United States.
The Panini Prestige EFL collection is set to go on sale next month at major retailers and on the Panini America website. The timing is also positive for Panini right now, as interest in global football teams and leagues has soared in the U.S. thanks to the FIFA World Cup tournament.
EFL Chief Commercial Officer Ben Wright said the release reflects growing American interest in the league. “This is an exciting milestone for the EFL as we continue to grow our presence in the United States, where interest in our competitions is on the rise,” Wright said. “Partnering with Panini to launch the first-ever U.S. trading card collection featuring all 72 clubs is a major step in bringing the league closer to fans.”
The set will include a 300-card base set spanning all 72 clubs competing across the EFL Championship, League One, and League Two during the 2025-26 season.
Cards will be available in Hobby Preferred, International Mega Box, and International Blaster configurations. The release will also feature a range of numbered parallel cards, including Xtra Time Gold, limited to 10 copies; Xtra Time Green, limited to five copies; and Xtra Time Black, produced as a one-of-one. Special insert cards, including the short-print Blank Slate and City Limits, will also be part of the set.
Autographed cards will be available for a variety of current and former EFL players, including Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Tommy Conway, Jaden Philogene, Kieffer Moore, Gary Lineker, and Alan Shearer.
“We’re very proud to be working with the EFL and bringing this inaugural release of EFL trading cards to the United States,” said Jason Howarth, senior vice president of marketing and athlete relations at Panini America. “The cards look great, and we think that this newest extension of Panini’s long heritage in the sport will really excite fans.”
Wright added that the collection is intended to highlight the breadth of the EFL’s appeal. “The history, culture, and star power across the EFL make it a hugely compelling proposition; from iconic clubs with passionate fanbases to emerging talent and globally recognized players and managers, all underpinned by the authenticity and competitiveness that define our competitions,” Wright said. “This collection is a fantastic way to showcase that to an ever-growing audience.”
Panini America is a subsidiary of the Panini Group, which was established more than 60 years ago in Modena, Italy. The company holds official licenses across a range of sports properties and distributes products in more than 150 countries.
The English Football League was formed in 1888 and is recognized as the world’s original league football competition. The organization administers and regulates the EFL, the Carabao Cup, and the EFL Trophy, as well as reserve and youth football, and represents the largest single body of professional clubs in European football.
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