Fanatics entered a long-term extension and expansion of its partnership with Bologna Football Club 1909, the Italian professional soccer club based in Bologna.
The new partnership strengthens Fanatics’ role as the organization’s official operator of its e-commerce business, Stadio Renato Dall’Ara retail, and retail stores. It also grants Fanatics new licensing, design and manufacturing rights, wholesale distribution, and marketplace operations.
Since the start of the partnership in 2022, Bologna and Fanatics have reported that club merchandise sales have increased sixfold, supported by improvements to existing channels and the opening of Bologna’s flagship store in the city center. The retail expansion coincided with Bologna’s 2024/25 season, which included a first UEFA Champions League qualification and a Coppa Italia victory.
E-commerce sales for the club are reported up 25 percent season to date, and store retail sales are up 15 percent, compared with 2024/25, which was the Club’s best season.
Fanatics will continue to manage and grow the partnership from its Milan headquarters.
“Bologna is one of Italian football’s most exciting stories in recent years, with a team that inspires incredible passion from its supporters,” said Stephen Dowling, president of international at Fanatics. “We look forward to deepening our partnership and helping to bring Bologna fans even closer to the Club through a richer product assortment and a world-class shopping experience.”
Image courtesy Bologna FC
