Why Topps Is Back in the Basketball Card Game

Why Topps Is Returning to NBA Cards

After a long absence, Topps is rejoining the basketball card hobby in a major way. As of October 1, 2025, Topps (under Fanatics) now holds the exclusive license to produce NBA-branded trading cards, ending Panini’s 15-year run. Sports Collectors Digest+2SI+2

Collectors have already responded. Presales for the 2025-26 Topps Basketball set sold out quickly, and sealed boxes began trading at double their retail price within hours. Cllct

This change isn’t just about branding—it’s poised to shift product styles, pricing, and collecting strategy across the hobby.

What’s Changing (and What to Watch For)

Here’s what’s likely to shift with Topps back in the mix:

1. Product Design Style & Nostalgia

Topps has a legacy in sports cards, and many collectors expect them to lean into nostalgic design elements (throwback templates, classic card borders). Sports Collectors Digest+1

We’ve already seen teaser designs with parallels and “insert” subsets targeting the 2025 rookie class (called Class of 2025). SI

2. Supply, Demand & Pricing Pressure

Because this is Topps’s first licensed NBA product since 2009–10, the initial supply appears limited. That scarcity is inflating prices on the secondary market.

Collectors should anticipate strong demand for early sealed product, and possibly some volatility if supply overcorrects.

3. Chase Inserts & Rookie Cards

Topps isn’t playing small. The new set promises ambitious insert mechanics—autographs, relics, serials, and design-forward chase subsets. SI+1

Rookies will be central to the hype, especially cover athletes like Cooper Flagg. Mavs Moneyball+2SI+2

4. What Happens to Panini Cards

Panini won’t disappear. Cards produced under its era (2010–2025) will still carry legacy appeal, especially for sets or parallels that Topps may not replicate. Some collectors will keep dual collections (Topps + Panini) as contrast. Sports Collectors Digest

However, price dynamics may shift—Topps may reduce scarcity or produce an alternative path for new NBA product lines.

What This Means for You — Collector Strategy Tips

Here are some moves to consider as the hobby adapts:

• Lock in sealed product early
  Grab boxes before mid-season price stretches. The first wave often defines what’s “normal” later.
  
  

• Prescreen key cards for grading
  If you have early hits, vintage Hoops sets, or standout rookie cards, prepare to grade them before slab demand surges.
  
  

• Watch rookie spotlights
  Players like Cooper Flagg and other high-draft names could carry disproportionate value if Topps gives them spotlight treatment.
  
  

• Keep your Panini prospects
  Some Panini cards may become niche “legacy” collectibles—rare parallels or special inserts could see revived interest.
  
  

Anticipate variant strategies
Look for limited editions, short-printed parallels, and autograph mechanics. Topps may mirror its baseball approach with serials and high-end chase sets.