Another LEGO-Nickelodeon Collaboration May Be in the Works

SpongeBob-themed LEGO sets may be making a comeback in 2026, according to a new fan theory citing some recently emerged circumstantial evidence. The speculation centers on a small but notable trail of Nickelodeon-related licensing developments, similar to patterns seen with several other popular IPs just ahead of their LEGO collaborations being confirmed.

SpongeBob already had an official LEGO theme, launched in 2006 through a partnership between Nickelodeon and the LEGO Group. The collab produced more than a dozen sets, with the final releases arriving in 2012 before being discontinued the following year. Since then, the SpongeBob license has changed hands multiple times in the brick-style toy market. Mega Bloks acquired the rights in 2014, releasing a line of construction toys, followed by Kawada in 2020, which used SpongeBob for Nanoblocks, its range of micro-building kits. In late 2023, AREA-X introduced its own SpongeBob line, launching 27 themed products over the next two years.

Related

Newly Revealed LEGO Set Could Be a Big Hit for Valentine's Day 2026

LEGO unveils an adorable new set that seems like a potentially perfect Valentine's Day gift, marking the company's first such product in a while.

Posts

By  Dominik Bošnjak

AREA-X Bricks Discontinuing Its Licensed SpongeBob Line

AREA-X has now announced that it's discontinuing all of its SpongeBob products at the end of 2025. This isn't a case of a line being retired by ending production, but products being actively delisted from all storefronts even if supplies still exist. Such a development suggests AREA-X's SpongeBob license has expired, meaning the company no longer has the rights to use Nickelodeon's hit franchise for commercial purposes. The newly confirmed product delistings are scheduled for December 30, 2025.

Why AREA-X’s Announcement Has Sparked LEGO SpongeBob Speculation

Dominik Bošnjak / The Best War Games | Source images: LEGO Group, Nickelodeon

The discontinuation of AREA-X’s SpongeBob SquarePants sets has prompted speculation that the iconic Nickelodeon franchise could soon return in LEGO form. As noted by Brick Fanatics, it is not uncommon for a LEGO competitor to lose a high-profile IP license shortly before that IP reappears under the LEGO brand. A similar pattern was observed earlier this year when Mattel's Mega brand announced it would stop selling its Pokemon products in December 2025, only for LEGO to announce its first-ever Pokemon collaboration a day later.

Other Evidence Supporting the LEGO SpongeBob Comeback Theory

Another circumstantial indicator supporting the LEGO SpongeBob comeback theory is the video game tie-in angle, centered on recent leaks suggesting an upcoming Fortnite crossover with SpongeBob. If the franchise were to reappear in LEGO form shortly afterward, it would mirror the pattern seen with The Simpsons, which received both a Fortnite collaboration and new LEGO sets in 2025. There's also a new SpongeBob movie coming out on December 19, further strengthening the possibility of additional licensed merchandise hitting the market in the near future.

All LEGO SpongeBob Sets Released to Date

LEGO’s past SpongeBob SquarePants sets were primarily aimed at younger audiences, ages 5 to 7 and up. It is unclear whether that approach would continue if the franchise returns as a LEGO theme in the near future. Recent rumors about 18+ Pokemon LEGO sets suggest that as core audiences age, the Danish toymaker may increasingly explore adult-oriented builds.

As for AREA-X, the Chinese brand is still selling 18 SpongeBob products via its official website until December 30. Prices range from $19.50 for Rolling in Money (Mr. Krabs Version) to $154 for Spongebob's Pineapple House. Each individual purchase qualifies for a mystery gift, valued at $9.90, as part of the retailer's 2025 holiday season promotion.