Panini America and USA Baseball have decided that their union isn’t just a home run—it’s the entire ball game. The collectible heavyweight and the country’s baseball authority are scaling up their cooperation, much like a pitcher who just discovered a faster fastball or a slugger who has found a friendlier fence. They’ve celebrated their decade-long partnership anniversary with a brand-new extension that promises more excitement for collectors and fans alike.
The original agreement struck in 2012, which has already seen two extensions, has now been amplified further. This can be likened to adding a grandstand to an overcrowded ballpark—the field of collectibles is about to get broader and better. Panini is upping its game and swinging for the fences by embracing more teams and cultivating a treasure trove of memorabilia. The latest deal shines a spotlight on Panini’s growing roster, with newer teams and athletes ready to step onto the trading card stage.
At the heart of this agreement is Panini’s exclusive rights to create trading cards for all USA Baseball teams. This includes the highly coveted Collegiate National Team as well as the promising 18U and 15U squads, each brimming with potential MLB superstars. However, the deal’s gem is the inclusion of the 12U National Team, whose nascent ranks already boast budding talents like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Paul Skenes, and Anthony Volpe. These youthful prodigies could very well be the next legends squaring off in The Show.
But there’s an important twist here—a newfound focus on inclusivity. For the first time, the Women’s National Team is being ushered into Panini’s pantheon of collectibles. It’s more than just a nod to equality; it’s an overdue spotlight on female athletes who don the iconic red, white, and blue jerseys. This marks a significant stride forward in appreciating and acknowledging the diverse talent pool within USA Baseball.
Enter Panini Instant, the real-time card release platform as unpredictable and exhilarating as a well-timed double play. This platform will now deliver real-time memorabilia for national team performances, allowing fans to snag these gems as they happen. These limited-run, print-on-demand cards focus on epic plays and milestones—and much like a foul ball caught by a lucky spectator, they won’t be available for long. Fans will have only a brief window of opportunity to claim these commemorative cards, mirroring the fleeting magic of a perfect game.
And speaking of perfect games, Panini’s role in the annual Golden Spikes Award—a celebration of collegiate baseball glory—has been further amplified. Last year’s College World Series saw Panini offering card packs exclusively to the Omaha crowd. Now, this collectible tradition is set to continue, with the 2025 award presentation on June 21 promising even more exclusive goodies for lucky attendees.
Visiting a USA Baseball national team game this summer? Prepare for something new. Look closely at the on-deck circles, and you’ll find the Panini logo taking a proud stance. These field-used items, adorned with a brand that enthusiasts cherish, are more than mere decorative touches. They are destined for a far more glorious future—as collectible memorabilia inserts in future trading card sets. When combined with player-worn jerseys that bear the Panini mark, they form a tapestry of collectibles that paints a vivid portrait of the sport’s evolving heritage.
The partnership’s impact is already undeniable. Since Panini and USA Baseball joined forces, around 212 alumni have been drafted in the MLB first round, with ten taking the illustrious No. 1 pick—a testimony to the success nurtured under this collaboration. Reflecting on the entirety of USA Baseball’s journey reveals even more staggering figures: 586 first-round picks and 36 first-overall selections have proudly represented the national colors.
Collectors, fans, and even casual observers are in for a grand spectacle akin to a seven-game World Series. As USA Baseball and Panini continue their collaboration, the promise is simple—a fusion of modern design and the indelible print of the game’s future. Expect trading cards that capture the magnificence of current performances and forecast the legends of tomorrow. Whether you’re an avid baseball card enthusiast or a new fan drawn to the narrative of the game, Panini and USA Baseball’s renewed bond promises a thrilling sports saga that anyone can enjoy—even those not keeping score.