Panini Trading Card Company has leveled serious accusations against its rival, Fanatics, claiming the competitor illegally obtained confidential information to secure exclusive licensing deals for NBA and NFL trading cards. In a court filing made public on August 14, 2026, Panini contended that Fanatics accessed sensitive details about its existing contracts — including royalty rates, guaranteed minimums, and marketing and autograph commitments — violating confidentiality agreements. This information allegedly gave Fanatics an unfair advantage in negotiations with the NBA, NFL, and their players’ associations.

Panini further implicated the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and OneTeam Partners, a marketing and licensing venture representing multiple sports unions, suggesting they played roles in facilitating the NBA card deal with Fanatics. Although the NBPA is not formally part of OneTeam, Panini's amended complaint alleges a broader conspiracy to monopolize the trading card market through coordinated efforts between Fanatics and these parties. OneTeam has denied involvement, emphasizing that it was not part of the NBPA-Fanatics agreement.

Fanatics strongly rejected the new allegations, calling them baseless and a tactic by Panini to delay ongoing litigation. Since Panini filed the original lawsuit against Fanatics in 2023, accusing it of monopolizing the sports trading card business and interfering with Panini's contracts, the case has been deeply enmeshed in discovery. Fanatics now holds long-term licenses spanning 10 to 20 years for major leagues including MLB, NBA, and NFL, many of which Panini previously held.

The legal battle is expected to continue into next year, with potential motions for summary judgment from Fanatics seeking dismissal. Panini's lawyers express confidence that their substantial claims will ultimately be heard by a jury. Whether through court proceedings or settlement, the case highlights intense competition and high stakes in the lucrative licensed sports trading card market.