As the transition period for the NBA licensing acquisition from Panini America to Fanatics/Topps ticks closer to the one-year mark, and the NFL rights changeover swings into sight in two years, Fanatics/Topps is sparking new excitement in the sports card sphere. They’re not just marking time or resting on their laurels, rather, they’re powering up their production vats to churn out an array of new card releases, as revealed during their recent industry conference in Atlanta.
Basketball lovers can anticipate the grand revival of the Topps Chrome, a collection that hasn’t seen the summer sun since the 2009-10 season. The buzz around this revival got a serious kickstart with the promotional display of an autographed card graced by the touch of the NBA rookie phenomenon, Victor Wembanyama. To amp up the thrill, the tech-resistant ink of top talents such as Wembanyama, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Durant will grace these cards, thanks to the exclusive autograph contracts Fanatics/Topps have secured with them. However, collectors should take note that NBA logos or team nicknames will not feature on these cards until the official license handover next year.
The football cards panorama, currently considering their NFL license won’t start till 2026, plans to flourish around college themes. The football card series will add color to Fanatics/Topps’ shelves with collections that embrace the Motif theme, mirror Panini’s Chronicles series with the Composite line, and put the knack in Collegiate Chrome, amongst others. Timing for this football card explosion is set for the third quarter of 2024.
Soccer isn’t left out in the cold either. Fans should get their collector’s hands ready for the Champions League Dynasty product, boasting all on-card autographs and match-worn gear. Also within the goal is a unique women’s Champions League product with authentic patch autographs. Topps also promises a tantalizing grand prize connected to “The Grail” inserts involving a glamour-filled all-expenses-paid trip to the 2024-25 Champions League Final.
UFC followers flocking to Fanatics/Topps will be pleased to know that with the acquired UFC license, they plan an exciting relaunch of the Finest series plus several premium products sure to get UFC enthusiasts in a fighting mood.
F1 devotees, you weren’t forgotten. An expanded lineup featuring Paddock Pass, resembling the Stadium Club series but with the gleam of chrome cards, is on the horizon. Ready your gear for the premium shock of booklet cards and the legendary Michael Schumacher’s cut signatures featured in the Dynasty line.
The progressive strategy and purposeful release lineup proposed by Fanatics/Topps show their commitment to magnifying their influence and enriching the experience of sports card collecting. It certainly paints a tantalizing picture of variety, excitement, and yet-to-be-discovered treasures for avid card collectors. This elaborate manoeuvre signifies defining times ahead for fans and the trading card market, ensuring an arresting boost of engagement and expansion.
