The sports card scene is buzzing with a lot of energy as Fanatics/Topps brings a whirlwind of ambitious plans to refresh their sports card production. With the acquisition of NBA licensing coming up next year and NFL licensing in wait for another two years, the renowned card company is all geared up to level the playing field. The company’s strategic playbook was revealed at the recent Industry Conference in Atlanta, where a diverse horizon of card releases for basketball, football, UFC, soccer, and F1 was laid bare, promulgating their proactive strategy to augment their offerings.
Basketball enthusiasts have a big reason to rejoice as the famed Topps Chrome stamps its comeback to the sport. The first release is scheduled for this summer, marking its first appearance since the 2009-10 season, stirring anticipation already. Fueling the excitement is the promotion of an autographed card featuring the NBA rookie sensation, Victor Wembanyama. To add to this, exclusive autograph contracts have been secured with top talents like LeBron James, who concluded his association with Upper Deck, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Durant. The imminent basketball product lines promise to pack a punch with outlets like Midnight Cosmic, Chrome Finest, high-end Motif release, Royalty Collection, Collegiate Chrome, and Bowman U Chrome.
Shaking up their football card production, Topps is pivoting primarily around college themes. This is an intelligent move given that they are set to lace their boots with the NFL license in 2026. The upcoming football releases include titles like Motif, Composite, Collegiate Chrome, Collegiate Royalty, Bowman U Chrome, and Bowman U Best expected to hit the market in the third quarter of 2024.
Soccer card aficionados will find increased options with the Champions League Dynasty product’s introduction, showcasing all on-card autographs and match-worn gear. The women’s Champions League product is another exciting addition with exclusive patch autographs. Topps has devised an exciting “The Grail” giveaway across six different soccer products, where the grand prize features an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2024-25 Champions League Final. Moreover, unique 1/1 MLS Debut Patches will be seen adorning the Renaissance, Finest, and Chrome collections.
Fanatics/Topps is also stepping into the UFC ring with its licensing acquisition. It’s making a statement with the resurgence of the Finest series and a slew of premium products like Royal, UFC Midnight, Knockout, and Gold Label.
Last but certainly not least, Fanatics/Topps is pressing the pedal on the F1 lineup. Paddock Pass, similar to the Stadium Club series but with chrome cards, is an exciting new addition, along with other releases like Topps Chrome Finest and Dynasty.
Time and again, the sports card giant Fanatics/Topps has set the standard for diversification and innovation in the industry. Their ambitious line-up displays a strong commitment to enlarging their market presence, thereby enhancing the sports card collector’s experience. With a host of new and innovative releases on the horizon, there are indeed exciting times ahead for collectors. Fanatics/Topps is not just raising the bar; they’re launching it into space.