Today's news came as a shock to everyone, people expected Fanatics to take over as the sole producer of football cards in 3 years but not now! The NFLPA announced they terminated their agreement with Panini immediately while also giving Fanatics the exclusive right to produce NFLPA branded cards.

So what does this mean?

In short, Panini has the NFL license and Topps has the players license

Similarly to how Panini produces baseball cards without any logos, that is what Topps can potentially do. Panini can still produce football cards with NFL logos with players that it has individual likeness contracts with, Colts #4th pick Anthony Richardson is an example of that.

It is ultimately a stalemate as each side has an extremely valueable piece the other wants, however who is to fold first is unknown. If Panini gives in, it could be a sign of things to come. Panini giving in could potentially mean the NBA is next but Panini putting up a fight would likely make it an unlikely scenario.