NFL Players Association Ends Deal with Panini, Shifts to Fanatics

On Aug 24, 2023

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has terminated its partnership with Panini, an Italian collectibles company, three years ahead of schedule, in favor of a new agreement with Fanatics. The decision to change partners has sent shockwaves through the industry, bringing Panini’s future within the pro-football-themed Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) into question. Here’s an in-depth look at the situation.

The First Sale Doctrine

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the legalities of the trading card industry, coupled with the constantly evolving nature of NFTs, experts hold a belief that Panini-minted NFTs will not become obsolete. This belief finds its basis in the first sale doctrine, a legal principle that allows the owner of a legal copy of a copyrighted work to display or sell that copy without needing the consent of the copyright owner.

BREAKING: NFLPA says it has terminated its relationship with Panini effective immediately in letter sent this afternoon to agents.
Fanatics is in three years early.
Panini cannot produce any NFL cards with players names or likeness. pic.twitter.com/z7CoEJwR9U
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 21, 2023

The first sale doctrine is instrumental in the traditional trading card market. It is a critical factor that might continue to support the existence of Panini’s pro-football-themed NFTs even after the termination of the deal with the NFLPA.

However, the lack of a “digital first sale” doctrine, specifically tailored to NFTs, may complicate matters. The application of existing legal principles to digital assets remains an area of ongoing debate and development, potentially influencing the sustainability and transferability of Panini-minted NFTs in the future.

Legal Complexities and Evolving Landscape of NFTs

The termination of the deal between the NFLPA and Panini highlights the intricate legal challenges within the trading card industry and the broader NFT market. As technology evolves and NFTs become more prominent, existing legal doctrines may not be fully applicable. The digital nature of NFTs demands a unique legal framework that considers both ownership and copyrights in the digital realm.

The situation also underscores the importance of clear and comprehensive legal agreements between parties involved in NFT-related partnerships. The ongoing uncertainty about how laws might apply to NFTs could lead to disputes and challenges, emphasizing the need for robust legal protections.

Moreover, the abrupt shift from Panini to Fanatics illustrates the dynamic nature of the industry, where partnerships can change quickly, reflecting broader market trends and strategies. It emphasizes the significance of adaptability, foresight, and understanding of the legal landscape for both companies and individual collectors.

Conclusion

The NFLPA’s decision to terminate its partnership with Panini and align with Fanatics highlights the intricate and evolving nature of the NFT market. While existing legal doctrines like the first sale doctrine provide some assurance for Panini’s NFT owners, the lack of a digital-specific framework may lead to complexities. This event serves as a reminder for all involved in the NFT industry to stay informed and vigilant about the legal, technological, and market forces that shape this ever-changing landscape.