The numbers
A New York federal judge has dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Fanatics, which alleged that the company engaged in market manipulation concerning trading cards. The lawsuit claimed that Fanatics conspired with Major League Baseball (MLB) and other leagues to monopolize trading card licenses, a move that could significantly impact the trading card market.
The lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, meaning the plaintiffs have three weeks to refile their claims. 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 with Fanatics, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue.
Historically, Topps has held an exclusive MLB license since 2009, while Panini has maintained exclusive licenses for the NBA and NFL. In early 2022, Fanatics acquired Topps, which has raised questions about the competitive landscape of trading cards. The lawsuit’s dismissal could pave the way for Fanatics to expand its influence in the trading card market.
In addition to its legal battles, Fanatics is also making headlines with its sportsbook offerings. The company is currently promoting a sportsbook promo code, NYPOST, which allows new users to bet $5 and receive $200 in FanCash. This promotion is available in multiple states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Connecticut.
As part of its March Madness promotions, Fanatics is offering users the chance to earn up to $1,000 in FanCash over ten days. This includes a daily match on bets, with a maximum daily bet match of $100 in FanCash. However, it’s important to note that FanCash cannot be withdrawn but can be used for betting or purchasing merchandise.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.
The Elite Eight games are set for March 28 and 29, 2026, and Fanatics is leveraging this event to attract more users to its platform. The combined points won by Arizona in their first two March Madness games totaled 52, showcasing the excitement surrounding the tournament.
As Fanatics navigates its legal challenges and promotional strategies, observers will be watching closely to see how these developments affect the company’s market position and future growth. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential impact of the lawsuit’s dismissal on Fanatics’ operations and its plans for the trading card market.
