NFLPA Selects Exim to Grow Licensing Program in Mexico, Latin America

WASHINGTON D.C. and MEXICO CITY, October 14, 2020 – The NFL Players Association (“NFLPA”), via its licensing and marketing arm NFL Players Inc., has entered into a multi-year agency representation agreement with licensing agent Exim to expand its licensing portfolio throughout Mexico and the Latin America region. The NFLPA expansion into the Latinx market is the latest move by the global licensor as it provides opportunities for players and partners to reach new consumers spanning multiple categories.

Exim, a leading licensing agency in Latin America, will be responsible for capitalizing on the rapidly growing market by representing the NFLPA group licensing rights through new, locally based licensee and retailer relationships, while supporting existing NFLPA partnerships to expand distribution and market presence. A study from Licensing International in 2019 reported a five-percent year-over-year increase in licensing revenues from Latin American markets, which produced $11 billion of the $280 billion in global retail sales of licensed brand and character merchandise. Mexico is reported to have an NFL fan base of approximately 20 million people, making it the largest market outside of the United States.

“Latin America, and Mexico in particular, is a vital emerging market with a growing appetite for innovative sports licensing,” said NFL Players Inc. Interim President Steven Scebelo. “This region should serve as a natural extension of the NFLPA licensing program’s long-standing strength in North America, and recent solid growth in Europe. We look forward to working with Exim to develop NFL player licensing opportunities in ways that are truly authentic to the Latinx community.”

“Licensing is a great strategy to enter the Latin American market, and we’re excited to position the NFLPA for longterm success,” said Exim General Director Jaime Hofman. “Companies will now have greater access to more than 2,000 NFL stars such as Ezekiel Elliott, Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson, who are so well recognized in the Latinx community, along with a growing American football fanbase that will be excited about new products and retail experiences.”

The winner of three International Licensing Awards for Best Sports Licensing Program, the NFLPA has built one of the largest and most influential licensing businesses in the world. More than 80 licensees generate over $1.6 billion in retail sales of player-licensed products across key categories. NFL Players Inc. is the only group that offers exclusive group licensing rights to more than 2,000 active NFL players, and provides licensees access to names, numbers, signatures, likenesses, voice and other rights. Licensed NFLPA product categories include, among others, men’s, women’s and youth game jerseys, T-shirts and hoodies, backpacks, face coverings, wall decals, pennants, collectible figurines, matted and framed photos, bobbleheads, plush, drinkware, and pet products.

###

About Exim Licensing
Exim is a licensing company focused on developing famous brands through several Latin American markets with a 360° vision strategy to provide consumers the best products in the main retail chains within those territories. The strong brand positioning achieved is a result of the agency’s experience, dedication and commercial strategy which allow Exima to gain awareness and excellent exposure for properties on a longterm basis.

About the NFL Players Association
The National Football League Players Association (“NFLPA”) is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 NFL season.

About NFL Players Inc.
NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFLPA, connects businesses to the power of NFL players. NFL Players Inc. creates customized business solutions for partners, through licensing, marketing strategy and player activations. For more information, please visit nflpa.com/players.

Media Contacts:
For Exim: Jaime Hofman, jphofman@eximmexico.com.mx
For the NFLPA: David Cooper, david@mvppr.com