Fanatics Signs Long-term Partnership with CLC for U.S. College Merchandise Worldwide

Fanatics has announced a long-term agreement with U.S. collegiate licensing company, CLC, to sell licensed fan merchandise from U.S. colleges to U.K. and international fans of college sports. 

Through its network of sites, Fanatics will offer U.S. college sports fans worldwide a range of officially-licensed products, such as lifestyle wear, hard goods and accessories from an initial 15 U.S. colleges, including University of Florida, University of Texas, Michigan State University, LSU and University of Michigan, with plans to add more institutions over time.

As part of the expanded relationship, Fanatics will manufacture, distribute and sell a wide range of college apparel online, including additional college merchandise specifically manufactured by Fanatics to cater to international consumers based outside of the U.S. 

The partnership, which was brokered by CLC’s international licensing representative, IMG, adds to Fanatics’ long-standing credentials in the college apparel and merchandising space, which includes more than 150 preeminent colleges and universities in the U.S.A.

Earlier this month, Younes Layati, senior director, licensing, Fanatics, spoke with License Global to discuss the rise of the Fanatics brand, and what is trending in licensed sports fashion.

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“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,” says Matthew Primack, senior vice president, international business affairs and development, Fanatics. “We are excited to announce this latest partnership with CLC, an industry leader in collegiate licensing and marketing, through the talented team at IMG, which will allow sports fans across the U.K., and internationally to showcase their pride and passion for their college of choice. We look forward to offering college lifestyle fans a best-in-class shopping experience and unparalleled access to a wide range of officially licensed college merchandise.” 

“Fanatics has established a well-earned reputation in the USA as a trailblazer in college sports merchandise,” says Natalie Horne, associate vice-president, licensing, IMG. “We are thrilled to work alongside the team to offer millions of college fans across the U.K. and internationally the chance to show their support for their college of choice. Over the coming months, we will work together to create innovative, seamless ways to access a market-leading range of licensed merchandise, taking the fan experience to the next level.”

“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,” says Joe Hutchinson, senior vice president, strategic brand management, CLC. “Sports fans and fashion consumers alike connect to the passion and tradition of US colleges through licensed merchandise, and we look forward to this new program going beyond the traditional college shopper through unique product offerings.”

Watch: Younes Layati , Fanatics, on the growth of sports licensing.