Fanatics Live Acquires European Live-Commerce Leader Voggt, Specializing in Collectibles

Today, U.S.-based Fanatics Live, the live commerce branch of the global digital sports platform Fanatics, announced its acquisition of the assets of Voggt, a prominent European live-commerce platform based in France that specializes in live shopping for collectibles.

Founded in 2021, Voggt has amassed over half a million members and is recognized as the market leader in Europe for live sales of sports collectibles and trading card games (TCG). The platform boasts a dedicated community of creators who engage with their audiences in real time.

Launched in 2023, Fanatics Live focuses on the live selling of sports collectibles, commonly referred to as “breaking” in the collectibles community. The platform has rapidly built a highly engaged audience in the U.S. With this acquisition, Fanatics Live is poised for an anticipated international expansion, specifically targeting France and Germany, thus enhancing its community of passionate collectors. According to CEO Nick Bell, plans are underway for a launch in the United Kingdom in 2025. The broader Fanatics company recently announced a multi-year trading-card partnership with the Premier League and collaborates with over 900 sports clubs and organizations worldwide, including UEFA, the French Football Association, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Chelsea, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, International Olympic Committee, and Formula One.

“We are thrilled to welcome Voggt to Fanatics Live and excited to join forces to enhance the collector experience,” said Bell. “The Voggt team has established a strong platform and community, and we look forward to integrating their expertise as we continue to grow and diversify the global sports trading card hobby.”

Quentin Lopes, co-founder and CEO of Voggt, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to take the next step in Voggt’s journey by joining Fanatics, one of the fastest-growing and most exciting companies in sports. Together, we will bring the best of Fanatics to our passionate community in Europe, creating a best-in-class platform that will transform the collectibles space.”

The acquisition of Voggt’s assets is effective immediately, with all current Voggt employees remaining in their existing locations. The platform will continue to operate under the Voggt brand for the time being.

What is Online Breaking?

Breaking has become an increasingly popular method for fans to collect sports trading cards and trading card games, with hundreds of thousands of collectors participating in “breaks” weekly on platforms like Fanatics Live. A break involves a live seller, known as a “breaker,” who opens multiple packs, boxes, or cases of sports trading cards or TCGs for an online audience. Collectors purchase a “slot” representing a defined portion of the opened product and watch live as packs are opened and cards are revealed. Customers may buy a slot tied to a specific team, entitling them to any cards from players on that team, or choose a randomized team, athlete, or character.

About Fanatics Collect

Fanatics Collect, the direct-to-consumer division of Fanatics Collectibles, includes the live commerce and entertainment platform Fanatics Live. It serves as a dynamic marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of trading cards and memorabilia, allowing collectors to browse and instantly purchase from a vast selection of sought-after collectibles. Fanatics Collect provides secure and technologically advanced vaulting for collectors’ items and offers services to help manage and track collection values, whether stored physically in the vault or uploaded digitally. The platform also collaborates with top authentication and grading services, including PSA, CGC, SGC, and Beckett. Fanatics Collect is accessible at fanaticscollect.com and on the Apple and Google App Stores.

Source link

Share your love

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter