No matter where you are in the world, people will ride or die for their sports team, and Maccabi Art knows all about that.
Founded in 2006 by Jeffrey Rosen, Maccabi Art is a one-stop shop for licensed sports products, which features authentic gear from popular soccer clubs including FC Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester City. The company also carries the NBA and MLB licenses. Its products include those such as mini-figures, water bottles, arcade games, socks, sunglasses, bracelets, and much more — even products for your super-fan pets.
The Toy Book (TB) recently caught up with Rosen (JR) to discuss the details of Maccabi Art’s licensing portfolio and other aspects of the demand in sports around the world.
Maccabi Art launched with a focus on soccer but has since expanded its portfolio. Which sports franchises does your licensing portfolio include, and which do you hope to include as it grows?
Maccabi Art holds licenses for many of the clubs across European Soccer, Latin American Soccer, MLB, NBA, NCAA, and MLS.
You’ve formed partnerships with beloved sports teams and leagues globally. Can you tell us a little bit about the differences you see in demand for your products between various areas of the world?
We have seen high demand for European soccer clubs across North and South America, from Canada all the way down to Argentina. Our NBA license spans all of South America. We have developed and grown are our business significantly in Brazil and our next target is Mexico.
Can you share some details on your partnership with Lionel Messi and the products bearing his likeness?
We have global rights to sell Lionel Messi Argentina National Team figures, which we are thrilled about as there is global demand for Messi.
Beyond sports collectibles, your Pro Ball Sports line offers tabletop games and active play options for families. What new products should retailers have on their radar?
With the rise in popularity of pickleball globally, our Pro Ball Sports line is growing its pickleball category. Pro Ball Sports new line of Pickleball/Volleyball items for pool play and for general outdoor play, are gaining a lot of traction with customers. We also have an extensive focus on basketball and soccer game products, which have continuously been popular amongst consumers.
You previously led the family business, Rose Art, prior to its acquisition by MEGA Brands. What are some of the differences and similarities that you’ve seen between the arts and crafts and the sports merchandise business?
Amazingly this is Rose Art’s 100th birthday.  I miss working with my brother Larry Rosen. Having said that, Maccabi today is engaged in producing sporting goods, pet products, sports toys, and licensed products.  All of these categories are quite different from what we developed and sold at Rose Art, which sells traditional arts and crafts items as well as school supplies.
What’s on the horizon for Maccabi Art as a whole as 2024 approaches?
We are now distributors of the Funsicle line, which is a well-known outdoor pool and floats brand. We’ll have a heavy focus of growing that brand across Latina America and the United States. We are focused in 2024 on selling the Lionel Messi FanFigz (4.5-inch) and Sportzies (2.5-inch) as well as Messi Soccer Balls.
Maccabi Art will show its full range at Toy Fair, taking place Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2023 at the Javits Center in New York City. Stop by Booth No. 2035 to see what they’re all about!
