Tencent Sports signs strategic partnership with Panini Group

Tencent Sports has recently become a strategic partner of the Italian trading card manufacturer, Panini Group, in China.

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, expected to run from June 14 to July 15th, Panini will be able to use all FIFA official logos, shirts and images of all 32 competing teams and their players on its trading cards.  

Under their deal, the two sides will develop an H5 platform for Tencent users to buy 2018 World Cup trading cards and cards of previous World Cup events.

This deal will also see Tencent Sports become the unique operator and promoter of the 2018 FIFA World Cup official trading card collection in China. With Panini’s authorization and permission, the Chinese sports media company may conduct related sponsorship business and advertising sales in the country.

In addition to this, Tencent Sports said that it has plans to work with Panini on how to combine physical products with digital products, providing premium products and services for followers of both companies.

The two partners may have more opportunities for cooperation beyond the 2018 FIFA World Cup since Panini America is the Exclusive Manufacturer of NBA Trading Cards and Collectible Stickers while Tencent Holdings Limited, parent company of Tencent Sports, is the Exclusive Official Digital Partner of the NBA in China.

Source: Tencent

 Proofread by William Logsdon