June 11 – Inter Milan has signed a wide-reaching partnership with Fanatics that will see the US-based e-commerce giant take control of the club’s global merchandise operations.
The agreement will cover retail and manufacturing to licensing and online sales, marking another major play by Fanatics in European football.
The deal signals a shift in strategy for Inter, which is leaning on Fanatics’ infrastructure and global reach to expand its merchandise offering beyond Italy.
The club has faced challenges fully monetising its international profile in recent years, especially compared to some of its European peers. Outsourcing to Fanatics is an attempt to close that gap.
“Inter boasts a global fanbase of over 530 million people that are interested in our brand and ranks as the second fastest-growing European club since 2020. As our international presence continues to expand across every continent, it has become increasingly important for us to stay connected with our fans, wherever they may be” said Giorgio Ricci, FC Internazionale Milano Chief Revenue Officer.
“To achieve this, we are proud to partner with a global leader in sports merchandising like Fanatics. This collaboration will transform the way Inter is present in the retail sector—not only in Italy, but even more so on the international stage.”
While the club frames the move as a “redefining of the fan experience,” in reality, it reflects a growing trend of clubs outsourcing retail and licensing operations to commercial partners with more experience – and scale – than they can develop in-house.
“Inter is a powerhouse in world football, with a rich heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch” said Stephen Dowling, president of International at Fanatics. “We’re excited to partner with such an iconic club to enhance the shopping experience for millions of fans, with incredible products and designs Contact the writer of this story,
Harry Ewing, at moc.l1749793178labto1749793178ofdlr1749793178owedi1749793178sni@g1749793178niwe.1749793178yrrah1749793178