With Fanatics/Topps on the brink of acquiring the National Basketball Association (NBA) license next year and preparing to take over the National Football League (NFL) rights in two years, the company has no intention of hitting the brakes on its sports card production. Fresh off their Industry Conference in Atlanta, the company revealed an ambitious slate of card releases that effortlessly span sports lines, from basketball and football to UFC, soccer, and Formula 1 (F1).
In the arena of basketball, one of the most anticipated developments is the much-awaited return of Topps Chrome, set to make its comeback this summer after a hiatus since the 2009-2010 season. Card collectors can barely contain their excitement, with the teasing revelation of an autographed card featuring NBA rookie sensation, Victor Wembanyama. Additionally, Fanatics/Topps has also secured exclusive autograph contracts with top-tier talents like LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Durant. This move comes hot on the heels of James ending his partnership with Upper Deck. The future collection will include Midnight Cosmic, Chrome Finest, Motif, Royalty Collection, Collegiate Chrome, and Bowman U Chrome—though Topps will not gain access to NBA logos or team nicknames till their official license transfer from Panini America next year.
Topps is also intending to broaden its horizons in the football world, largely focusing on college themes due to the NFL license only starting in 2026. The upcoming football releases will incorporate Motif, Composite, Collegiate Chrome, Collegiate Royalty, Bowman U Chrome, and Bowman U Best—with the launch of these products expected to kick off in the third quarter of 2024.
The soccer card scene is also set to receive a significant boost with the introduction of the Champions League Dynasty product, which will showcase all on-card autographs and match-worn gear. A new addition will be a women’s Champions League product with patch autographs.
In the world of UFC, Topps is reintroducing the Finest series and adding a punch of premium products including Royal, UFC Midnight, Knockout, and Gold Label.
The company’s Formula 1 lineup will continue to expand with the introduction of Paddock Pass, which is comparable to the Stadium Club series but consists of chrome cards, providing a unique differentiation.
This coming storm of distinctive and ambitious releases from Fanatics/Topps embodies the company’s dedication to expanding its territory and enhancing the sports card collector’s experience. The forthcoming years promise thrilling times for collectors, with these imaginative new products on the horizon. The company’s forward-thinking approach to adding diversity and dynamism to card collecting is a game-changer in this industry and will position Fanatics/Topps for remarkable growth and customer engagement within the trading card market.
