TOPPS MAKES A SLAM DUNK RETURN AS THE NBA’S EXCLUSIVE TRADING CARD PARTNER

Fanatics Collectibles is bringing back a classic. In partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the company has announced that Topps will once again serve as the official, exclusive trading card licensee for both organizations — marking its return to NBA cards for the first time since the 2009–10 season.

The 2025–26 Topps Basketball Collection Launches This October

The all-new 2025–26 Topps Basketball collection is set to drop on October 23, available at Topps.com, hobby shops, and major retailers worldwide. The set will showcase players from all 30 NBA teams, alongside basketball legends such as Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Dwyane Wade.

Topps is also featuring Fanatics Collectibles exclusive athletes, including LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, and Dylan Harper, making this release one of the most anticipated in the collectibles world.

A New Era for Basketball Collectors

“This is a monumental moment for our company,” said Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles. “We’re constantly innovating with new and unique card formats — from the 1-of-1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph cards to limited-edition Gold NBA Logoman Patch cards — giving fans tangible ways to connect with their favorite NBA stars.”

These innovations will bring collectors closer than ever to the action. Each Topps Rookie Debut Patch is a one-of-a-kind patch worn on a player’s jersey during their first NBA game, later authenticated and included in a 1-of-1 signed trading card.

Global Celebrations and Digital Expansion

To celebrate the partnership, Topps and the NBA will host fan events beginning October 23 in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and at the Fanatics Collectibles store in London, with exclusive giveaways and surprises for basketball fans.

The collectibles excitement doesn’t stop there. On November 5, Topps Digital will launch NBA Collect by Topps — the official digital trading card app of the NBA and NBPA, available globally on iOS and Android. The app connects digital cards to live on-court action, blending technology with tradition for a new generation of collectors.

The Power of Partnership

“The NBA’s partnership with Fanatics Collectibles and the return of Topps to the NBA trading card space reflects an evolution in how we engage fans,” said Matt Holt, Executive Vice President and Head of Merchandising Partnerships at the NBA. “These cards connect physical memorabilia with storytelling.”

Josh Goodstadt, Chief Commercial Officer at THINK450, the innovation arm of the NBPA, added: “Topps has such a rich history in sports memorabilia and speaks to fans who feel deeply connected to players through trading cards.”

The Future of Collecting Is Here

With over 300 NBA player partnerships, exclusive athlete deals, and a fresh digital strategy, Fanatics Collectibles and Topps are redefining the basketball trading card landscape. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just starting your journey, the 2025–26 Topps Basketball collection offers something special for every fan.