With the energy of an Olympic sprinter and the precision of a skilled archer, Fanatics/Topps is racing towards the acquisition of the NBA license in a year and the NFL rights in two years. And just like an unstoppable athlete, the company shows no signs of slowing down on its triumphant run. As highlighted during its recent Industry Conference in Atlanta, Fanatics/Topps is ramping up its sports card production stratagem for a diverse catalog of releases.
The sporting universe is already buzzing with anticipation as the comeback of Topps Chrome to basketball is on the horizon. This milestone event is marked for a grand summer release, returning to the scene after its hiatus since the 2009-10 season. Adding fuel to this raging fire of enthusiasm is the announcement of an autographed card from NBA rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. No, it doesn’t stop there. The company has also enlisted ace athletes like LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Durant under exclusive autograph contracts.
The eclectic basketball offering includes an array of product lines – Midnight Cosmic, Chrome Finest, Motif, Royalty Collection, and Collegiate Chrome – teasing every basketball purist with a tantalizing selection. However, it is essential to note that Topps won’t be privy to NBA logos or team nicknames until the official license transfer transpires next year.
In football, Topps is playing a rather collegiate game as the NFL license will only come into effect in 2026. Its football card repertoire, therefore, will lean more towards the college theme, offering products like Motif, Composite, Collegiate Chrome, Collegiate Royalty, and Bowman U Chrome. The launch of these products is tentatively pinned for the third quarter of 2024.
Soccer enthusiasts aren’t left out of the fun. The soccer card scene is getting a leg up with the Champions League Dynasty product, which promises all on-card autographs and match-worn gear. In a welcome addition, the women’s Champions League product with patch autographs is also entering the scene. The soccer products will also house “The Grail” inserts, with a grand prize of an all-expenses-covered trip to the 2024-25 Champions League Final—an offer as enticing as a Messi free kick.
Rolling with the UFC license now within its grasp, Topps is resurrecting the Finest series while adding premium products like Royal, UFC Midnight, Knockout, Gold Label into the mix. For those with a passion for speed, the company also expands its F1 lineup with Paddock Pass and releases that include Topps Chrome Finest and Dynasty, featuring Michael Schumacher cut signatures.
This strategic, diverse, and ambitious lineup of releases from Fanatics/Topps mirrors the company’s dedication to expand its horizons and spruce up the sports card collecting experience. With such planned unveilings, cards will be dealt, and collectors will rejoice, making the future of sports card gathering a tantalizing prospect.
