Fanatics Collectibles, the National Football League (NFL), and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have announced an exciting new era for football trading cards, as Topps makes its long-awaited return as the NFL and NFLPA’s official exclusive trading card licensee. This marks the first time Topps will release officially licensed NFL football cards since 2016, combining premium design, innovation, and worldwide reach.
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, emphasized the program’s innovation: “We are excited to build a program that honors the legacy of the game while introducing never-before-seen levels of storytelling, premium design, and innovation. Our goal is to bring the passion of football to life through these incredible products.”
Under this multi-year partnership, Fanatics Collectibles will have full rights to feature official team logos, names, marks, helmet designs, uniforms, and NFL branding on cards and packaging. The agreement also allows for global distribution, aligning with the NFL’s efforts to grow its international fanbase.
2025 Topps Chrome Football: A Collector’s Dream
The first set under this collaboration, 2025 Topps Chrome Football, will be released on April 15, with pre-orders available on Topps.com starting April 3. The collection introduces two standout innovations that are sure to excite collectors:
- Topps Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph Cards (1/1) – These cards feature patches worn by players during their first official NFL regular-season game. Highlighting the 2025 rookie class, fans can find stars such as Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Cam Ward, and TreVeyon Henderson. Each patch displays “PREM1ERE” along with the player’s rookie class year, making every card a one-of-a-kind collectible.
- NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph Cards (1/1) – Commemorating the 2024 AP award winners, these cards include Gold Shields worn by players at the base of the jersey collar. Featured athletes include Josh Allen (MVP), Saquon Barkley (Offensive Player of the Year), Patrick Surtain II (Defensive Player of the Year), Jayden Daniels (Offensive Rookie of the Year), and Jared Verse (Defensive Rookie of the Year).
Fanatics, NFL, and Players United
“This partnership between the NFL and Fanatics Collectibles brings together the league, our players, and a best-in-class collectibles platform to better serve fans and grow the trading card hobby,” said Casey Collins, SVP of Consumer Products at the NFL. “We’re excited to welcome Topps back as our exclusive trading card partner and leverage their expertise to deliver unique offerings to collectors worldwide.”
Full NFL Roster and Legends Included
The 2025 Topps Chrome Football collection will feature players from all 32 NFL teams, as well as select NFL legends. Collectors can expect exclusive Fanatics cards featuring Jayden Daniels, Tom Brady, Drake Maye, CJ Stroud, Bo Nix, Jerry Rice, and more.
To celebrate this return, Topps and the NFL will host a multi-day interactive celebration in Pittsburgh during the 2026 NFL Draft, giving fans a hands-on experience with the hobby. Highlights include live pack openings, free collectible packs, and a special Collector Celebration Day on Saturday, April 25, at Acrisure Stadium, featuring athletes and surprise guests.
Fans looking to dive into the trading card experience and explore the full collection can visit Fanatics Collectibles.
Matt Curtin, president of NFL Players Inc., added: “The value starts with the players, and the continued growth of the trading card market creates real opportunities tied to their performance and popularity. This partnership ensures players benefit from this growth.”
