Just as an athlete tirelessly trains for the big game, Fanatics/Topps is preparing with equal vigor, all set to revolutionize the sports card landscape. As they approach acquiring NBA licensing rights next year and NFL rights in two years, they aren’t hitting the brakes on their card production. In fact, the firm recently spelt out a powerful game plan at their Industry Conference in Atlanta – an exciting lineup of card releases across not one, not two, but five sports – basketball, football, UFC, soccer, and Formula One.
Basketball fans can look forward to a glorious blast from the past with the return of Topps Chrome, marking its comeback to the court this summer for the first time since the 2009-10 season. This comeback has left fans in a palpable state of anticipation, as an autographed card from the rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama is touted. Keeping Wembanyama company are autograph contracts with NBA luminaries LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Durant. The upcoming feast of basketball product lines includes Midnight Cosmic, Chrome Finest, Motif, the Royalty Collection, Collegiate Chrome, and Bowman U Chrome.
The football line-up, although morphing majorly around college themes, thanks to the NFL license kicking in only from 2026, is nothing short of electric. It boasts a collection that includes Motif, Composite (akin to Panini’s Chronicles series), Collegiate Chrome, Collegiate Royalty, Bowman U Chrome and Bowman U Best. The Q3 of 2024 is when these football prodigies are set to hit the shelves.
Shifting field to the soccer scene, fans can witness some adrenaline-pumping action boots and all with the Champions League Dynasty product. A blazing streak of brand new additions complements this release, packing in women’s Champions League product with patch autographs, “The Grail” inserts, and 1/1 MLS Debut Patches. And let’s not forget about the trip to the 2024-25 Champions League Final!
UFC isn’t taking a backseat either. Topps is dusting off the Finest series and adding several top-tier releases such as Royal, UFC Midnight, Knockout, and Gold label to its arsenal.
Lastly, the vrooming F1 lineup doesn’t stray off the throttle, set to expand with Paddock Pass and releases like Topps Chrome Finest, featuring booklet cards and Michael Schumacher cut signatures.
In short, this all-encompassing and high-achieving lineup from Fanatics/Topps shows that they’re geared to maneuver around sharp turns and, ultimately, cross the finish line first. The promise of enriching the sports card collecting experience for fans seems well within the grasp, signifying few, if any, pit stops along their journey.
This strategic stride by Fanatics/Topps announces an upcoming dynamic era in sports card trading. By leveraging an array of sports, they not only stand to diversify their collection but also pave the way for increased engagement and growth within an industry that thrives on fans’ passion and enthusiasm for sports. Tailoring their releases to meet the desires of diverse fans keeps the game interesting, ensuring that the trading card market remains as thrilling as the sports they immortalize.