What's Happening?
Fanatics Collectibles has announced a multiyear partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to reintroduce Topps as the official exclusive
trading card licensee for the NBA and NBPA. This marks Topps' return to the NBA trading card market for the first time since the 2009-10 season. The 2025-26 Topps Basketball collection will feature players from all 30 NBA teams, as well as select NBA legends. The collection will include exclusive athletes such as LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama, along with legends like Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal. Fanatics Collectibles aims to enhance the collector experience by offering innovative card formats, including the 1-of-1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph cards and limited-edition Gold NBA Logoman Patch cards. The partnership will also see the launch of Topps' Rookie Debut Patch and Gold NBA Logoman Patch when the regular season begins on October 21.
Why It's Important?
This partnership is significant as it reflects an evolution in how the NBA engages with fans and approaches the collectibles market. By integrating physical memorabilia with storytelling, the collaboration aims to deliver immersive experiences for fans and collectors. The return of Topps to the NBA trading card space is expected to attract a new generation of fans by providing tangible ways to connect with their favorite NBA stars. The initiative also highlights the collective influence of NBA players, as the NBPA's involvement brings to life the connection between players and fans through trading cards. This move could potentially boost the trading card industry, offering new opportunities for collectors and enhancing fan engagement.
What's Next?
Beginning October 23, Topps and the NBA will host a series of fan celebrations at NBA stores worldwide to mark the start of the NBA season and Topps' return to licensed basketball. Events in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Paris will feature giveaways and surprises for basketball fans. Additionally, on November 5, Topps Digital will release NBA Collect by Topps, a digital trading card app available globally. This app will bring Topps NBA trading card collections to life with interactive features, further connecting cards to the action on the court.
Beyond the Headlines
The partnership between Fanatics Collectibles, the NBA, and the NBPA could have long-term implications for the sports memorabilia industry. By leveraging the rich history of Topps in sports memorabilia, the collaboration may set new standards for how trading cards are produced and marketed. The focus on innovative card formats and interactive digital experiences could redefine the collector experience, potentially influencing other sports leagues to adopt similar strategies. This development also underscores the growing importance of digital platforms in engaging younger audiences and expanding the reach of traditional collectibles.
