Excitement is brewing across the sports card collecting landscape as industry titan Fanatics/Topps maps out a riveting lineup of card releases. With the NBA license acquisition set for a year down the line and NFL rights slated for a takeover in two years, the company isn’t hitting the brakes on churning out their beloved cards. The blueprint for this slew of potent releases sprung to the fore during their recent Industry Conference in Atlanta, where a smart and proactive strategy was presented. Here’s a peek into what Fanatics/Topps has in store across basketball, football, UFC, soccer, and F1.
In basketball, the spotlight shines on the return of Topps Chrome, flexing its rebound since the 2009-10 season. And to the delight of many, an autographed card from NBA rookie sensation, Victor Wembanyama, is already making waves. In a stroke of genius, Topps has reeled in autograph contracts from the crème de la crème of basketball, such as Wembanyama, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Durant, just to name a few. Anticipate exciting basketball product lines that include riches like Midnight Cosmic, Chrome Finest, Motif, Royalty Collection, and much more. Note that the official license transfer from Panini America will only grant Topps access to NBA logos and team nicknames from next year.
In their American football corner, Topps is juicing up its offerings around college themes, having nailed down the commencement of the NFL license only in 2026. Some appealing football releases include Motif, Composite, Collegiate Royalty, and others that are expected to break cover in the third quarter of 2024.
On the soccer front, Topps is looking to set a new bar. The introduction of the Champions League Dynasty product, featuring all on-card autographs and match-worn gear, is sure to rustle up a storm. Stir in additions like the women’s Champions League product with patch autographs, and you’ve got a trading card revolution on your hands. The motto ‘go big or go home’ certainly applies with their grand prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2024-25 Champions League final and unique 1/1 MLS Debut Patches spanning the Renaissance, Finest, and Chrome collections.
UFC fans, rejoice! With the UFC license now snug within its portfolio, Topps is giving Finest series a comeback. The addition of premium products like Royal, UFC Midnight, and Knockout, adds to the UFC experience.
Motorsport enthusiasts are not left out either. The F1 lineup from Topps is set to grow, thanks to debuts like the Paddock Pass. The Topps Chrome Finest and Dynasty collections embellish the offerings further, with the inclusion of enticing Michael Schumacher cut signatures.
It’s evident that Fanatics/Topps is maneuvering to elevate the trading card landscape to unprecedented heights. This varied and bold rollout speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to enhance and diversify the sports card collecting experience. So, collectors, brace yourselves for a captivating ride that promises edge-of-your-seat excitement and intrigue.
