Great news for basketball fans and collectors! The iconic trading card brand Topps is officially returning to the NBA. Thanks to a new multiyear partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, the NBA, and the NBPA, Topps will once again become the exclusive producer of NBA trading cards, a role they haven’t held since the 2009-10 season. This exciting collaboration is set to bring a fresh energy to the world of sports collectibles.
🤝 A Major Comeback for Card Collectors
This partnership marks a significant moment for the trading card industry. The new 2025-26 Topps Basketball Collection, launching on October 23rd, aims to create a stronger connection between fans and their favorite players. Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, described trading cards as “the ultimate connection between the fan and a player in their biggest moments.” The goal is to innovate and expand the hobby, benefiting both longtime collectors and newcomers.
✨ Introducing the Ultimate Rookie Card
One of the most exciting new items will be the one-of-a-kind “Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph” card. This special card will feature a patch from the actual jersey a player wore during their very first professional NBA game, along with their signature. “We take a patch from their jersey, put it on a card and have the player sign it, and it becomes the holy grail for collectors,” explained Mahan. This makes for a truly unique and valuable collectible for any fan.
🏆 Celebrating the League’s Best
To honor top performers, the partnership will also introduce Gold Logoman patches. These will be worn by players who won major awards in the 2024-25 season, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (MVP), Evan Mobley (DPOY), and Stephon Castle (ROY). Select patches will then be incorporated into trading cards, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of memorabilia that celebrates the highest levels of achievement in the sport.
⚡ Capturing Moments as They Happen
Another innovative feature is “Topps Now,” a program designed to capture key moments from the season in real-time. Whenever a player hits a major milestone or has a standout performance, Topps will release special collectible cards to commemorate the event. This allows fans to celebrate amazing plays and unforgettable achievements almost as soon as they happen, bringing them closer to the action on the court.
