Panini America has secured exclusive autograph deals with football prospects Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, enabling the company to feature NFL-licensed autographed rookie cards of the players in their 2025 products. These agreements prevent a situation like those seen with previous prospects who had exclusive auto deals with other companies, such as Jayden Daniels and Victor Wembenyama.
The move is strategic for Panini as it ensures the inclusion of highly anticipated autographed rookie cards in its last year with the NFL license. Hunter, a prominent cornerback and wide receiver from the University of Colorado, is poised to be a top-three draft pick, while Sanders, the quarterback for Colorado, also has potential as a first-round selection. The deals with Sanders and Hunter are not multi-year agreements, allowing Panini to leverage their presence in marketing initiatives for about a year, with plans to prominently feature them in various Panini NFL products and marketing campaigns.
These signings represent a calculated business decision by Panini to capitalize on the marketability of two top football prospects in the upcoming season's NFL cards. As Topps is set to assume the NFL license in 2026, Panini's strategic move with Hunter and Sanders positions them to make the most of their remaining time with the license and enhance the value and appeal of their football products.