Alex Rodriguez’s blank-check firm has ended merger talks with PANINI S.P.A. after the maker of sports cards, stickers and other collectibles lost exclusive licenses related to the National Basketball Association and National Football League, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. Slam Corp. (NasdaqCM:SLAM) had been conducting due diligence on a transaction set to value Panini at $3 billion or more, Bloomberg News reported in July 2021. Those talks were ended recently, in part because of the new deals signed between several sports leagues and collectibles retailer Fanatics Inc., said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing the private negotiations. A representative for Panini Group didn’t respond to requests for comment. A Slam spokesman declined to comment.