The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set marks the triumphant return of a classic brand that has been absent from the market since 2009. Echoing the excitement of the rookie seasons of legends like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, this set brings a mix of current stars, promising rookies, and esteemed players, all under the licensing of the NBA Players Association.
Although not officially licensed by the NBA itself due to Panini’s exclusive rights, this release still encapsulates the essence of the sport. Players are showcased without their full pro uniforms and team logos, yet the cards maintain the high-quality and allure that fans expect from Topps Chrome.
Diving into the highlights of this set, collectors can indulge in nearly 30 different Refractor variations, offering an array of vibrant and visually appealing cards. Unique Refractors like the Geometric versions in breaker boxes and basketball background parallels in retail packs add an extra layer of excitement to the collection.
Autographs are a major draw for enthusiasts, with offerings such as Topps Chrome Autographs, Certified Rookie Autographs, and retail-exclusive Certified Autographs. Notably, the set features on-card autographs from Victor Wembanyama, the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, who signed an exclusive deal with Fanatics. With Wembanyama absent from Panini products this year, his autographs in the Topps Chrome set are highly coveted by collectors.
The set also shines a spotlight on LeBron James, marking his second autograph appearance since joining Fanatics. Fans will also appreciate autographs from NBA legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal, adding a touch of nostalgia and prestige to the collection.
In addition to the standard cards, collectors can enjoy vibrant inserts such as Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake, each featuring bold colors and designs to enhance the visual appeal. The set also includes Short Print (SSP) inserts like Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars, paying homage to classic Topps inserts from the past.
The product details reveal that each hobby pack contains 8 cards, with 12 packs per box and 12 boxes per case. The set comprises 190 cards and is slated for release on August 28, 2024, subject to any changes. Each hobby box will contain two autographs along with a selection of inserts and Refractors, with Victor Wembanyama featured prominently across various cards in the set.
The market response to the return of the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set has been overwhelmingly positive, with pre-sales for boxes and cases selling out quickly. Leveraging the popularity of rising star Victor Wembanyama, Topps has reintroduced the Chrome Basketball brand with a bang, despite the absence of official NBA logos. This set has become a hot commodity for collectors eagerly anticipating Topps’ resurgence as it gears up to regain the full NBA license in 2025.
