Fanatics signed a long-term agreement with U.S. collegiate licensing company CLC to sell licensed fan gear from U.S. colleges to international college sports enthusiasts through its online sites.
Fanatics’ sites will sell lifestyle wear, hard goods and accessories from an initial 15 U.S. colleges, including the University of Florida, the University of Texas, Michigan State University, LSU, and the University of Michigan, with plans to add more schools over time.
As part of the expanded relationship, Fanatics will manufacture, distribute and sell a wide range of college apparel online, including college merchandise manufactured by Fanatics to cater to international consumers based outside of the U.S. It will also be available through many of Fanatics’ connected retail and media partners, including Next and Sky Sports, which work with Fanatics to sell its licensed sports merchandise directly through their online stores.
The company said the partnership, brokered by CLC’s international licensing representative IMG, adds to Fanatics’ credentials in the college apparel and merchandising space. Fanatics has relationships with more than 150 colleges and universities in the U.S. across all fan retail touchpoints, including e-commerce, wholesale and physical stores inside stadiums and arenas, and, beginning in mid-2024, will also exclusively manufacture Nike apparel for a select group of colleges and universities.
“From our experience gained working in partnership with more than 150 colleges combined with our international retail expertise, we have a deep and unique understanding of both the passion held by fans of college sports and its desirability as product which is on trend and fashion forward,” commented Matthew Primack, SVP of international business affairs and development at Fanatics.
“We are excited to expand our long-standing relationship with Fanatics to now include international markets, expanding the reach and distribution for the collegiate brands we represent,” said Joe Hutchinson, SVP of strategic brand management, CLC.
Fanatics has over 80 manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and offices in 16 countries.
Photo courtesy AP
