Topps Basketball Returns 2025 NBA Fanatics

Published: December 23, 2025

⏱️ 18 min read

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Table of Contents

The Historic Return: Topps Basketball is Back

After a 16-year absence from licensed NBA basketball card production, Topps has made a triumphant return to the hardwood. The release of 2025-26 Topps Basketball on October 23, 2025, marks one of the most significant moments in modern sports card history, ending Panini’s monopoly on NBA cards and ushering in a new era of competition, innovation, and collector choice.

This watershed moment stems from Fanatics’ acquisition of Topps and subsequent securing of exclusive long-term trading card licensing agreements with the NBA and NBPA. For collectors who grew up with classic Topps basketball designs from the 1990s and 2000s, this return represents both nostalgia and opportunity. For younger collectors who’ve only known Panini’s NBA dominance, it introduces a legendary brand with decades of sports card heritage.

The implications extend far beyond a single product release. Topps is planning a full slate of basketball offerings including Chrome, Cosmic Chrome, Finest, Three, and Dynasty—products that command premium prices and loyal followings in baseball and football. The competitive landscape of basketball cards has fundamentally changed, and collectors who understand the dynamics will be positioned to capitalize on this historic shift.

Key Takeaways:

  • Topps returns to NBA basketball after 16 years, ending Panini’s exclusive monopoly through Fanatics’ licensing deal.
  • Cooper Flagg’s Topps rookies could define this era, comparable to LeBron James’ 2003 Topps Chrome significance.
  • Victor Wembanyama’s first fully licensed Spurs jersey autographs create historic collector appeal in Topps products.
  • Topps Chrome historically appreciates better than base products due to lower print runs and superior quality.
  • Elite Panini rookies will retain value, but collectors should diversify across both Topps and Panini holdings.

Understanding the Fanatics-Topps-NBA Deal

How Topps Lost and Regained NBA Rights

1957-2009: Topps’ First NBA Era

  • Topps produced NBA cards from the 1950s through the 2008-09 season
  • Classic designs like Topps Chrome (2000s) became iconic
  • Created legendary rookie cards for Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant

2009-2025: The Panini Monopoly

  • NBA awarded exclusive license to Panini in 2009
  • Topps was shut out of basketball for 16 years
  • Panini created dominant products: Prizm, Optic, Select, Mosaic
  • Lack of competition led to high prices and limited innovation

2025-Present: The Fanatics Era

  • Fanatics acquired Topps in 2022
  • Fanatics secured exclusive NBA license beginning 2025-26 season
  • Topps becomes exclusive NBA card manufacturer under Fanatics umbrella
  • Panini’s NBA license expires after 2024-25 season products

What This Means for Collectors

Pros of Topps’ Return

  • Competition drives innovation: Topps must differentiate from Panini’s legacy
  • Legendary brand prestige: Topps carries 70+ years of sports card heritage
  • Proven track record: Topps’ baseball and football products command premium prices
  • New designs and technologies: Fresh aesthetics after 16 years of Panini
  • Exclusive autographs: LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama fully licensed for first time

Potential Concerns

  • Learning curve: Topps re-entering market after 16-year absence
  • Print run uncertainty: Unknown production quantities could impact scarcity
  • Collector loyalty split: Panini built 16 years of devoted following
  • Parallel fatigue: Will Topps over-produce variations like other sports?

2025-26 Topps Basketball: The Flagship Product

Product Configuration and Details

Release Date: October 23, 2025 (License effective October 1, 2025) Hobby Box Configuration: 20 packs per box, 12 cards per pack (240 total cards) Guarantees: At least 1 autograph or relic card per hobby box Base Set: 300 cards including veterans, stars, and 2025 NBA Draft rookies Price Point: $120-$150 per hobby box (estimated retail)

Key Subsets and Inserts

Base Set (300 cards)

  • Veterans and current stars (cards 1-200)
  • Rookie cards (cards 201-300)
  • Clean, classic design aesthetic
  • High-quality card stock with Topps signature feel

Rookie Class Spotlight

  • Cooper Flagg (projected #1 pick, Duke)
  • Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
  • VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)
  • Complete 2025 draft class representation

Autograph Variations

  • On-card autographs (Topps’ signature feature)
  • Rookie autographs (/99, /50, /25 numbered parallels)
  • Veteran autographs including exclusive LeBron James
  • Victor Wembanyama’s first licensed Spurs jersey autos

Relic Cards

  • Game-worn jersey cards
  • Patch cards (numbered to specific quantities)
  • Rookie memorabilia cards

Parallel Structure

Topps is implementing its proven parallel rainbow structure from baseball and football:

Base Card Parallels

  • Refractor: Enhanced shine, moderate scarcity
  • Gold Refractor /50: Mid-tier parallel
  • Orange Refractor /25: Premium parallel
  • Red Refractor /5: High-end parallel
  • SuperFractor 1/1: The holy grail of Topps collecting

This tiered scarcity model creates clear collecting goals and provides upside for case breakers chasing rare parallels.

2025-26 Topps Chrome Basketball: The Premium Release

Why Chrome Matters

Topps Chrome is arguably the most prestigious modern sports card product across all sports. Chrome technology—a proprietary chromium coating applied to card stock—creates brilliant refraction and durability that collectors have prized since the 1990s.

Historical Chrome Success

  • Kobe Bryant 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor: $50,000+ PSA 10
  • LeBron James 2003 Topps Chrome Refractor: $200,000+ PSA 10
  • Kevin Durant 2007 Topps Chrome Refractor: $15,000+ PSA 10

The first Topps Chrome NBA product since 2008-09 represents a major opportunity for collectors to acquire modern rookie cards in the legendary Chrome format.

Product Details

Release Date: Late 2025/Early 2026 (official date TBA) Expected Configuration: 18 packs per box, 4 cards per pack Guarantees: At least 2 autographs per hobby box (industry standard for Chrome) Price Point: $200-$300 per hobby box (estimated)

Key Features

Base Chrome Rookies

  • Chromium technology with iconic rainbow effect
  • Cooper Flagg and 2025 draft class
  • Higher quality standards than base Topps

Refractor Parallels

  • Base Refractor: The cornerstone Chrome parallel
  • Purple Refractor /299: Mid-tier numbered
  • Blue Refractor /150: Popular among collectors
  • Green Refractor /99: High-end
  • Gold Refractor /50: Premium
  • Orange Refractor /25: Elite
  • Red Refractor /5: Near-impossible pulls
  • SuperFractor 1/1: The ultimate chase card

Autograph Variations

  • Chrome Autographs: On-card signatures on chrome card stock
  • Refractor Autographs: Limited numbered parallels
  • Cooper Flagg Chrome Auto: Expected to be hottest rookie auto
  • Victor Wembanyama Spurs Auto: First licensed Chrome auto

Investment Implications

Topps Chrome has historically appreciated better than base Topps products due to:

  • Lower print runs creating scarcity
  • Superior card quality and durability
  • Iconic brand recognition among vintage collectors
  • Historical precedent of Chrome rookie appreciation

Collectors serious about long-term basketball card investment should prioritize Chrome over base Topps, accepting higher initial costs for better appreciation potential.

Cooper Flagg: The Rookie Card to Define This Era

Why Flagg is Critical to Topps’ NBA Return

Cooper Flagg, the projected #1 overall pick from Duke, represents a generational talent entering the NBA precisely when Topps returns to basketball. This timing creates a unique confluence:

The LeBron James Parallel

  • LeBron entered NBA for 2003-04 season
  • His 2003 Topps Chrome Refractor became legendary
  • Topps had NBA license, cementing LeBron’s Topps rookie as definitive

The Flagg Opportunity

  • Flagg enters NBA for 2025-26 season
  • Topps has exclusive NBA license
  • Flagg’s Topps Chrome Refractor could define the new era

Flagg’s Topps Rookie Cards to Target

2025-26 Topps Base Rookie

  • Expected price: $40-$70
  • PSA 10 expected: $200-$350
  • Investment outlook: Foundation hold

2025-26 Topps Chrome Rookie

  • Expected price: $100-$175
  • PSA 10 expected: $500-$900
  • Investment outlook: Core premium holding

2025-26 Topps Chrome Refractor

  • Expected price: $300-$600
  • PSA 10 expected: $1,500-$3,000
  • Investment outlook: Flagship investment piece

2025-26 Topps Chrome Autograph

  • Base auto: $1,500-$3,000
  • Refractor auto: $5,000-$10,000
  • Gold Refractor /50 auto: $20,000-$40,000
  • Investment outlook: Elite tier, serious investors only

Strategy: Treat Flagg’s Topps rookies as portfolio anchor. If he becomes superstar, these will be his definitive rookie cards given Topps’ exclusive license.

Victor Wembanyama: Historic First Licensed Autographs

The Wembanyama Situation Explained

Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA for the 2023-24 season when Panini held the exclusive NBA license. However, Wembanyama’s autograph exclusivity was reportedly not secured by Panini for certain product lines, creating a complex situation where:

  • Panini produced Wembanyama rookie cards (base, parallels, some autos)
  • Not all Panini products featured Wembanyama autographs
  • Topps negotiated directly for Wembanyama’s signature for 2025-26 products

The 2025-26 Topps Basketball and Chrome releases feature the first-ever fully licensed Victor Wembanyama autographs in a San Antonio Spurs jersey, creating historic collector appeal.

Why This Matters

Historical Significance

  • Wembanyama already established as generational talent
  • 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year
  • 7’4” unicorn with guard skills
  • Comparable to Kareem, Duncan, Shaq in potential

Card Market Implications

  • Topps Wembanyama autos could rival or exceed Panini rookie autos
  • “First licensed Spurs jersey auto” narrative drives premium
  • Lower print runs than Panini rookies enhance scarcity
  • Topps Chrome prestige adds brand premium

Wembanyama Topps Cards to Target

2025-26 Topps Chrome Autograph

  • Expected price: $2,000-$4,000
  • Refractor auto: $6,000-$12,000
  • Investment outlook: Premium hold, historic significance

2025-26 Topps Autograph

  • Expected price: $800-$1,500
  • Investment outlook: More affordable entry point

Strategy: View these as complementary to Wembanyama’s Panini rookies, not replacements. Collectors seeking complete Wembanyama representation will need both Panini rookies and Topps licensed autos.

LeBron James: Exclusive Fully Licensed Autographs

The 2025-26 Topps products feature LeBron James autographs, a major coup for Topps given LeBron’s status as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Why LeBron Topps Autos Matter

Brand Alignment: LeBron’s iconic rookie cards were Topps (2003 Topps Chrome), creating nostalgia and brand connection

Exclusive Access: Topps’ Fanatics connection provides autograph access Panini couldn’t secure

Legacy Collecting: LeBron approaching retirement makes every autograph increasingly valuable

Investment Thesis: LeBron autos have historically appreciated 10-15% annually, and exclusive Topps versions could outperform

Expected Pricing

2025-26 Topps Chrome LeBron Auto

  • Base auto: $3,000-$6,000
  • Refractor auto: $10,000-$20,000
  • Low-numbered parallels: $30,000-$100,000+

Strategy: LeBron autos are blue-chip investments with minimal downside risk. Allocate 10-20% of basketball card budget to LeBron for portfolio stability.

Upcoming Topps Basketball Products (Late 2025-2026)

Topps has confirmed multiple basketball products will roll out through 2026, recreating their successful baseball and football product ecosystems.

2025-26 Topps Finest Basketball

Expected Release: Winter 2025/2026 Heritage: Finest was Topps’ ultra-premium product in the 1990s-2000s Key Features:

  • Thicker card stock with premium coating
  • On-card autographs standard
  • Lower print runs than base Topps or Chrome
  • Historically strong appreciation

Investment Outlook: Target for collectors prioritizing quality over quantity. Finest rookies typically command 2-3x premium over base Topps.

2025-26 Topps Cosmic Chrome Basketball

Expected Release: Spring 2026 Concept: Cosmic-themed variation of Chrome with unique refractor patterns Key Features:

  • Visually striking designs with space/galaxy themes
  • Popular with younger collectors and social media breaks
  • Short-printed parallels

Investment Outlook: Speculative. Cosmic Chrome is relatively new to Topps lineup; basketball version unproven.

2025-26 Topps Three Basketball

Expected Release: Spring 2026 Concept: Ultra-premium product with oversized cards and high-end memorabilia Key Features:

  • 3-card packs, extremely limited production
  • Jumbo patches, multi-color swatches
  • Premium autographs
  • Price point: $500-$1,000+ per pack

Investment Outlook: For high-end collectors only. Three products are designed for ultra-premium market segment.

2025-26 Topps Dynasty Basketball

Expected Release: Summer 2026 Concept: Topps’ highest-end product, typically 5-10 cards per box at $1,000+ price Key Features:

  • Every card is a hit (auto, patch, or both)
  • Premium on-card autographs
  • Logoman patches, 1/1s
  • Targeted at wealthy collectors and investors

Investment Outlook: Dynasty cards hold value well due to extreme scarcity and quality. Not for casual collectors.

How This Affects Panini Basketball Cards

Panini’s NBA License Ends After 2024-25 Products

Panini’s exclusive NBA license expires after they complete 2024-25 season products, likely releasing through mid-2026. This creates a complex transition period:

Panini’s Final NBA Products

  • 2024-25 Prizm Basketball (flagship release)
  • 2024-25 Select, Mosaic, Optic (mid-tier releases)
  • 2024-25 National Treasures (ultra-premium release)

These will be the last-ever Panini NBA-licensed products, creating potential collector interest in “final year” cards.

Investment Implications for Panini Cards

Bull Case for Panini

  • 16 years of market dominance creates loyal collector base
  • “Last ever” narrative could drive premium for key cards
  • Prizm Silver Prizm established as industry standard
  • Existing Panini rookies (Wembanyama, Paolo Banchero) retain value

Bear Case for Panini

  • Loss of NBA license diminishes brand relevance
  • Collectors shift focus to Topps as exclusive licensed manufacturer
  • Panini’s NBA card values could decline without ongoing product support
  • Topps Chrome historically more prestigious than Panini Prizm

Probable Outcome: Bifurcated market where elite Panini rookies (Wembanyama, LeBron, etc.) retain strong value due to established collector base, while mid-tier Panini cards decline as Topps dominates new releases.

Strategic Approach for Collectors

Hold Elite Panini Cards: Wembanyama Prizm rookies, LeBron Prizm, etc. will remain valuable Rotate Out Mid-Tier Panini: Consider selling 2020-2024 mid-tier rookies and rotating into Topps Diversify: Own both Topps and Panini versions of key players (Wembanyama, Flagg, etc.) Focus on PSA 10: Graded Panini cards will hold value better than raw

Investment Strategy for Topps Basketball Return

Conservative Approach: Wait and Observe

Timeline: 6-12 months after initial releases Strategy:

  • Allow market to establish pricing on Topps products
  • Observe print runs and scarcity levels
  • Identify which Topps products appreciate best
  • Enter positions once volatility subsides

Pros: Minimize risk, avoid overpaying during initial hype Cons: Miss ground-floor opportunity if Topps rookies explode in value

Moderate Approach: Strategic Entry Points

Timeline: Buy initial releases selectively, average into positions Strategy:

  • Buy 2-3 hobby boxes of base Topps and Chrome (October-December 2025)
  • Grade best pulls immediately
  • Target Cooper Flagg Topps rookies across multiple products
  • Acquire one Wembanyama Topps auto
  • Hold 70%, flip 30% to finance ongoing purchases

Pros: Balanced risk/reward, participate in upside while managing downside Cons: Requires active management and market monitoring

Aggressive Approach: All-In on Historic Opportunity

Timeline: Immediate heavy investment at release Strategy:

  • Purchase 10+ hobby boxes of Topps Chrome at release
  • Buy complete Cooper Flagg rainbow (all parallels)
  • Acquire Wembanyama and LeBron autos across multiple products
  • Grade everything PSA 10 quality or better
  • Hold long-term for maximum appreciation

Pros: Maximum upside if Topps basketball becomes dominant Cons: High capital requirements, significant risk if market rejects Topps

Grading Considerations for Topps Basketball

Topps Quality Control History

Topps has generally maintained good quality control in baseball and football, but basketball represents a new production line. Monitor early releases for common defects:

Centering Issues: Topps baseball has occasional centering problems; basketball may too Print Lines: Chrome products sometimes exhibit print lines on refractors Edge Quality: Less common with Topps but still possible

When to Grade Topps Basketball

For comprehensive grading information, see our complete grading guide.

Immediate Grading Candidates

  • Cooper Flagg refractors and autographs
  • Wembanyama autographs
  • LeBron James autographs
  • Low-numbered parallels (/25 and below)

6-Month Wait

  • Base rookies (let population reports establish)
  • Mid-tier parallels (market will determine if grading adds value)
  • Common veterans

Never Grade

  • Base veterans of non-stars
  • Damaged or off-center cards
  • Abundant inserts without scarcity premium

PSA vs. BGS for Topps Basketball

PSA Advantages

  • Larger market share and better liquidity
  • Topps basketball collectors likely prefer PSA (based on baseball trends)
  • Higher resale premiums for PSA 10 vs. BGS 9.5

BGS Advantages

  • Subgrades provide additional information
  • BGS 10 Pristine commands massive premiums (rare for Topps)
  • Some collectors prefer BGS for modern chrome cards

Recommendation: Start with PSA for first 100+ cards submitted. Evaluate BGS if PSA populations become oversaturated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Topps Chrome Basketball be worth more than Panini Prizm?

Historically, Topps Chrome has commanded premiums in baseball and previously in basketball, but Panini Prizm has been the gold standard for 16 years. Initial Topps Chrome basketball values will likely be strong due to nostalgia and brand prestige, but long-term values depend on quality, print runs, and collector preference. Expect both to coexist as premium products, with Chrome potentially outperforming if Topps maintains superior quality standards.

Should I sell my Panini basketball cards before Topps takes over?

Don’t panic-sell quality Panini cards. Elite rookies like Wembanyama, Paolo Banchero, and established stars will retain strong value due to Panini’s 16-year legacy and loyal collector base. Consider rotating out mid-tier 2020-2024 rookies and commons while holding graded PSA 10 copies of key cards. Diversify by adding Topps products rather than completely abandoning Panini holdings.

When will Cooper Flagg’s Topps rookie cards be released?

Cooper Flagg’s base Topps rookie cards will appear in 2025-26 Topps Basketball, released October 23, 2025. His Topps Chrome rookies will follow in late 2025 or early 2026. Other premium products like Finest, Three, and Dynasty featuring Flagg rookies will roll out through 2026. The Chrome release is typically the most anticipated and valuable rookie card release.

Are Victor Wembanyama’s Topps autographs worth more than his Panini rookie autos?

Wembanyama’s Topps autographs carry the “first licensed Spurs jersey auto” narrative, which creates historic appeal. However, his Panini rookie autographs were his actual rookie year cards, giving them permanence. Both have value: Panini rookies as his true rookie cards, and Topps autos as premium licensed signatures. Serious Wembanyama collectors will want both versions for complete representation.

Will Topps products have lower print runs than Panini?

Print run information is closely guarded, but Topps has historically produced tighter print runs in premium products like Chrome and Finest compared to base products. Whether Topps maintains this scarcity approach in basketball remains to be seen, and early population reports from PSA and BGS will provide clues. Monitor the first 6-12 months of releases to gauge true scarcity before making large investments.

Conclusion: A New Era in Basketball Card Collecting

The return of Topps to NBA-licensed basketball cards represents the most significant shift in the hobby since Panini secured exclusivity in 2009. For collectors, this creates both opportunity and uncertainty:

Opportunities

  • Ground floor positioning in new Topps basketball era
  • Cooper Flagg’s rookie cards could define a generation
  • Competition between Topps legacy and Panini nostalgia creates market inefficiencies
  • Historic Wembanyama and LeBron autographs provide blue-chip investments

Uncertainties

  • Unknown print runs and scarcity levels
  • Collector preference between Topps and Panini unclear
  • Topps’ re-entry learning curve could create quality control issues
  • Market could reject Topps if products disappoint

Recommended Strategy

  1. Diversify: Own both Topps and Panini rookies of key players
  2. Focus on Chrome: Prioritize Topps Chrome over base Topps for long-term appreciation
  3. Grade aggressively: PSA 10 will command significant premiums as population reports establish
  4. Target Flagg: His Topps rookies will be the measuring stick for this era
  5. Hold elite Panini: Don’t dump valuable Panini cards; they’ll retain value
  6. Review market trends: Check our 2025 market trends guide for insights
  7. Protect your investment: Use proper storage and consider insurance

The next 24 months will determine whether Topps recaptures basketball card market dominance or if Panini’s 16-year legacy proves too strong to overcome. Collectors who position intelligently across both brands will be best positioned regardless of outcome.

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Welcome back, Topps. Basketball card collecting just got a lot more interesting.