The numbers
A New York federal judge has dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Fanatics, which accused the company of market manipulation in the trading card industry. The lawsuit claimed that Fanatics conspired with Major League Baseball (MLB) and other leagues to create a monopoly on trading card licenses, a serious allegation that could have reshaped the landscape of sports collectibles.
According to the lawsuit, Fanatics was accused of raising prices on MLB trading cards, despite the fact that they did not even produce the cards in question. A spokesperson for Fanatics stated, “We said from the start that this was a baseless and fundamentally flawed lawsuit, since Fanatics was being accused of raising prices on cards we didn’t even produce.” The court agreed, ruling that the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue, effectively dismissing the case without prejudice. This allows the plaintiffs to refile their claims within three weeks if they choose to do so.
The historical context of this lawsuit is significant. Topps has held an exclusive MLB license since 2009, while Panini has maintained exclusive licenses for the NBA and NFL. However, Fanatics acquired Topps in early 2022, marking a pivotal moment in the trading card industry. This acquisition has raised questions about competition and pricing, especially given the plaintiffs’ claims that Fanatics’ conduct led to higher prices for MLB trading cards.
As Fanatics continues to expand its reach, it is also making waves in the sports betting arena. The company recently launched a sportsbook promo code, NYPOST, allowing new users to bet $5 and receive $200 in FanCash. This promotion is available in multiple states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Connecticut, and is part of a broader strategy to engage sports fans during the March Madness tournament.
For the March Madness event, Fanatics is offering a welcome promo that allows users to earn up to $1,000 in FanCash over ten days. This includes a daily match of up to $100 in FanCash for users who place bets. However, it’s important to note that FanCash cannot be withdrawn but can be used for betting or purchasing merchandise. The promotional FanCash expires seven days from issuance, adding a sense of urgency for users looking to take advantage of the offer.
The Elite Eight games are set for March 28 and 29, 2026, and Fanatics is poised to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the tournament. With combined points of 52 won by Arizona in their first two March Madness games, the stakes are high, and Fanatics is eager to engage fans through both trading cards and sports betting.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, observers are keenly watching how Fanatics will navigate these challenges while also expanding its influence in the sports merchandise and betting markets. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential for plaintiffs to refile their lawsuit, and the implications of this case could have lasting effects on the trading card industry.
