2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball: A Highly Anticipated Return

Posted: August 4, 2024, 2:47 pm
in Sports Card News
by bionic

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The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is making a triumphant return, bringing back a beloved brand that debuted during the rookie seasons of Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. This release marks the first time in over a decade that Topps Chrome Basketball has been available, with its last iteration hitting the market in 2009 before Panini took over the NBA trading card license.

This year's set, licensed by the NBA Players Association, features 190 cards that include many of the NBA's biggest stars, top rookies of the season, and a selection of retired legends. However, due to Panini's current exclusive NBA license, the cards will not feature players in full pro uniforms, nor will they have official team logos.

Key Features of 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball

One of the standout elements of the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is the extensive array of Refractors, with nearly 30 different variations. These Refractors are primarily color-based, but some unique versions, such as Geometric Refractors found in breaker boxes and basketball background parallels available in retail packs, add to the diversity.

The autograph lineup is another highlight of this release. The checklist includes Topps Chrome Autographs, Certified Rookie Autographs, and retail-exclusive Certified Autographs. Notably, the set features on-card autographs from Victor Wembanyama, the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, who signed an exclusive deal with Fanatics. As a result, Wembanyama does not have any autographs in Panini products this year.

LeBron James' inclusion in the set is also significant, marking only his second set with an autograph since becoming a Fanatics exclusive. His first appearance was a one-of-one dual autograph with his son, Bronny James, in the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball set.

The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set also includes autographs from Hall of Famers like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal, adding even more appeal to this release.

Inserts and Parallels

Inserts in this set are designed to be bold and vibrant, with plenty of color even before factoring in Refractors. Hobby packs typically include inserts like Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake, ensuring collectors get a variety of exciting cards in every box.

In keeping with other recent Topps Chrome sets, a selection of tough Short Print (SSP) inserts is also available. These include Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars, the latter being a nostalgic nod to a classic Topps insert from the 1990s.

Product Specifications

Cards per pack (Hobby): 8
Packs per box (Hobby): 12
Boxes per case (Hobby): 12
Set size: 190 cards
Release date: August 28, 2024 (subject to change)

Each hobby box is expected to include two autographs, along with a variety of inserts and Refractors. The base set kicks off with Victor Wembanyama as card #1, and he is also featured across several different inserts and autographed cards.

Pre-Sales and Market Impact

Pre-sales for 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball boxes and cases have already sold out, underscoring the strong demand for this product. The return of this iconic brand, coupled with exclusive autographs and a vast array of Refractors, has generated significant excitement among collectors.

Topps is capitalizing on Wembanyama’s immense popularity, using his exclusive deal to push out a product that, while lacking official NBA logos and trademarks, still carries the hallmarks of the Topps Chrome brand that collectors know and love.

As Topps prepares to reclaim the full NBA license in 2025, the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is a significant step in re-establishing its presence in the basketball card market, with collectors eagerly awaiting what’s next.