2025-26 Upper Deck Black Diamond Hockey – Diamonds, Draft Picks, and Drops to Die For

• Posted: August 7, 2025, 2:53 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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It’s that time of year again — the rink is fresh, the tape is tight, and Black Diamond Hockey is back, shimmering like a freshly zambonied sheet of ice. This 2025-26 edition marks the 27th year of Upper Deck’s luxury hockey product, and it's still flexing its gemstone swagger like it’s the first time.

This isn’t just another box of hockey cards — it’s the box that collectors wait for to kick off the high-end season.

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What’s in the Box?​

Crack open a hobby box, and here’s what’s waiting for you:

• 6 total cards
• At least 1 auto or diamond relic
• 3 inserts, memorabilia, or tech cards
• 1 card from the Exquisite Collection
• And 1 base or parallel card to round things out

Yup, all killer. No filler.

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The Base Set — Trim, Tough, and Tasty​

This year’s base set is tight — just 95 cards deep, the smallest since 2020-21 — but that just makes every pull feel a bit more special. Veterans, legends, and rookies all show up, each numbered to /349.

There are some shiny parallels too:

• Green (/10)
• Gold (1/1) — pure gold, baby (figuratively, not literally)

But the real fire? Diamond Relic parallels. These beauties come studded with one to four real diamonds and include the Clear Diamond versions numbered to /5, plus ultra-rare 1-of-1 Black Diamonds that are straight-up grails.

Some base cards even step things up with premium relics or autograph versions.

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Rookie Cards That Hit Different​

Let’s talk rookies — because Black Diamond rookies aren’t just cards, they’re collector currency. The Diamond Relic Rookies (/99) are the headliners here, each decked out with up to four diamonds. Fancy folks can chase the Emerald (/10) and Pure Black (1/1) versions too.

Also back by popular demand:

• Band of Color: A color gem rainbow with rookie (/26) and vet (/25) versions — look out for those elusive 1/1 Pure Black parallels.
• Gemography: Autos + diamonds = collector joy. Parallels include Emerald (/5) and Pure Black (1/1).
• Diamond Stars, Diamond Legends, and Diamond Futures: All limited to /10, all with 1/1 Black parallels waiting in the wings.

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Autographs and Relics Galore​

Collectors chasing ink won’t be disappointed. Autograph sets include:

• Rookie Gems Signatures
• Sparkling Scripts (1:8 packs)
• Sparkling Rookie Scripts (1:12)
• Signature Clarity (1:40)

Relics? Oh yeah, we got those too:

• Diamond Mine Relics (1:4 packs), plus Dual and Triple versions
• Diamond Debut Relics (1:4 packs)
• Hockey History Patches (1:12)
• Rookie Team Logo Jumbo Patches (1:3)
• Team Logo Jumbo Patches (1:15)

Auto relics like Jewels of the Draft and Auto Rookie Jumbo Patches are here to steal the show, and there’s even a new Captains Patch set (/99) — complete with autograph versions if you’re lucky.

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Insert Sets That Pop​

Upper Deck knows how to dress a card. This year’s insert lineup brings the heat:

• Rookie Gems (/399) with Red (/100) and Green (/10) parallels
• Diamond Facet, Diamond Gallery — both about 1 in 10 packs
• Diamonation, Diamond Might, and Rookie Diamond Cutters — all numbered to /99

Don’t forget the returns of Diamond Stars, Legends, and Futures (/249) — great designs, big chase potential.

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Exquisite Collection – Still a Class Act​

Exquisite Hockey may no longer be its own standalone product, but it’s far from forgotten. Black Diamond once again serves as its launchpad.

You’ll find:

• Exquisite Veterans and Rookies (/399) with Gold (/99) and Gold Spectrum (/25) parallels
• Rookie Day Draft (/349) — includes a parallel for the player’s actual draft position
• Stanley Cup Heroes (/299) — brand new, with parallels down to /5
• Moments (/99) — big plays, memorable goals, and clutch saves live here

And yes, Exquisite has memorabilia too:

• Extra Exquisite Jerseys (/349)
• Rookie Patches (/99)
• Dual Swatches (/75)
• Jumbo Materials (/10)
• Plus Veteran gear cards, NHL Shields, and 1/1 Gold Spectrums for the bold

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Quick Rundown:​

• 1 pack per box
• 6 cards per pack
• 10 boxes per case (split into two 5-box inner cases)
• Set size: 95 cards
• Release Date: TBD

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Final shift: If you can’t wait for puck drop on 2025-26, warm up with some 2024-25 Black Diamond Hockey boxes on eBay — they’re still loaded with fire and diamonds.

Let’s go hunting.