Fanatics/Topps Sets the Stage for Diverse and Dynamic Sports Card Releases

• Posted: May 1, 2024, 12:06 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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As Fanatics/Topps approaches the acquisition of the NBA license in a year and the NFL rights in two years, the company is not slowing down on its sports card production. The plans for an array of card releases were outlined during their recent Industry Conference in Atlanta, showcasing their proactive strategy in enhancing their offerings across basketball, football, UFC, soccer, and F1.

Basketball The return of Topps Chrome to basketball is a highlight, scheduled for release this summer for the first time since the 2009-10 season. Excitement is already building with the promotion of an autographed card from NBA rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. Exclusive autograph contracts have been secured with top talents including Wembanyama, LeBron James (who recently ended his association with Upper Deck), Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Durant. The upcoming basketball product lines include:

• Midnight Cosmic
• Chrome Finest
• Motif (a high-end release)
• Royalty Collection
• Collegiate Chrome
• Bowman U Chrome Note: Topps will not have access to NBA logos or team nicknames until the official license transfer from Panini America next year.

Football Topps is expanding its football card offerings primarily around college themes, given the NFL license will only commence in 2026. The upcoming football releases are set to include:

• Motif
• Composite (akin to Panini’s Chronicles series)
• Collegiate Chrome
• Collegiate Royalty
• Bowman U Chrome
• Bowman U Best These products are expected to be launched in the third quarter of 2024.

Soccer The soccer card scene is also getting a boost with the introduction of the Champions League Dynasty product, which will feature all on-card autographs and match-worn gear. A new addition will be a women’s Champions League product with patch autographs. Topps is introducing "The Grail" inserts across six different soccer products, with a grand prize that includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2024-25 Champions League Final. Additionally, unique 1/1 MLS Debut Patches will be featured in the Renaissance, Finest, and Chrome collections.

UFC With the UFC license now under its belt, Topps is reintroducing the Finest series and adding several premium products:

• Royal
• UFC Midnight
• Knockout
• Gold Label

F1 The F1 lineup from Topps will continue to expand with the introduction of Paddock Pass (comparable to the Stadium Club series but with chrome cards) and other releases such as:

• Topps Chrome Finest
• Dynasty (including booklet cards and Michael Schumacher cut signatures)

This diverse and ambitious lineup of releases from Fanatics/Topps illustrates the company’s commitment to broadening its reach and enhancing the sports card collecting experience, promising exciting times ahead for collectors.

Fanatics/Topps is preparing for a robust rollout of sports card products across various sports including basketball, football, UFC, soccer, and F1. This includes the highly anticipated return of Topps Chrome for NBA and innovative new releases for each sport, positioning the company for significant engagement and growth within the trading card market.