When Does Topps Get the NBA License: What Fans Need to Know?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

The world of sports collectibles is ever-evolving, with passionate fans eagerly anticipating the latest developments from their favorite brands. Among these, Topps has long stood as a titan in trading cards, known for its iconic baseball sets and a rich history of delivering quality collectibles. However, basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike have been curious about a significant question: When does Topps get the NBA license? This query holds the promise of new opportunities, fresh designs, and a potential shift in the basketball card market.

Understanding the timing and circumstances surrounding Topps’ acquisition of the NBA license is more than just a matter of corporate maneuvering—it’s about how the landscape of basketball memorabilia might change. The NBA license determines who can produce officially sanctioned cards, impacting everything from player representation to the aesthetics and rarity of the cards themselves. Fans are eager to see how Topps might leverage this license to innovate and expand its presence in the basketball trading card arena.

In the following sections, we will explore the background of Topps’ involvement with basketball licenses, the significance of the NBA license in the trading card industry, and what this means for collectors and fans moving forward. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer excited about the future of basketball cards, understanding when and how Topps secures the NBA license

Details of Topps’ NBA Licensing Agreement

Topps secured the NBA license in 2022, marking a significant return to basketball trading cards after a long hiatus. The agreement grants Topps the rights to produce NBA and WNBA trading cards, collectibles, and related products. This deal allows Topps to leverage the NBA’s branding, logos, and player likenesses, which is essential for creating authentic and desirable sports memorabilia.

The licensing agreement typically covers multiple facets:

  • Official NBA Logos: Use of the league’s official logos on all trading card products.
  • Player Likenesses and Names: Inclusion of current players, legends, and rookies, authorized through the NBA’s licensing.
  • WNBA Rights: Extension of licensing to the Women’s National Basketball Association, expanding Topps’ product range.
  • Digital Collectibles: Rights to produce digital versions of cards and NFTs, reflecting the growing market for virtual collectibles.

This multi-year deal positions Topps to compete directly with other major card manufacturers such as Panini, which had held the exclusive NBA license since 2009.

Impact on the Trading Card Market

Topps’ acquisition of the NBA license has introduced fresh competition and innovation within the basketball card market. Collectors and fans benefit from a wider variety of products, new design aesthetics, and increased market activity. The re-entry of Topps is expected to:

  • Increase overall market supply, providing more choices for collectors.
  • Drive competitive pricing and promotional offers.
  • Encourage innovation in card design and collectible features.
  • Expand the digital collectibles space with licensed NBA content.

The presence of multiple licensed producers often leads to collaboration and rivalry that spur creativity and product diversity.

Key Features of Topps NBA Trading Cards

Topps has emphasized several unique features in their NBA trading card lines to distinguish themselves:

  • Premium Card Stock: High-quality materials for durability and visual appeal.
  • Limited Edition Inserts: Rare cards featuring autographs, memorabilia swatches, and serial-numbered parallels.
  • Innovative Design: Incorporation of dynamic artwork and modern aesthetics.
  • Digital Integration: Inclusion of digital redemption codes for exclusive online content or NFTs.

These features aim to enhance the collecting experience and attract both traditional collectors and new audiences interested in digital assets.

Comparison of NBA Card Licenses by Manufacturer

Below is a table summarizing the key aspects of NBA licenses held by Topps and its main competitor prior to 2022:

Aspect Topps (Post-2022) Panini (2009–2022)
License Duration Multi-year, starting 2022 2009 to 2022
Product Range NBA & WNBA cards, digital collectibles NBA cards, limited WNBA products
Digital Collectibles Yes, including NFTs Limited digital offerings
Exclusive Player Access Full roster access under license Full roster access under license
Design Approach Modern, innovative, premium Traditional with some innovation

Topps’ Acquisition of the NBA License

Topps, a longstanding leader in the sports trading card industry, acquired the NBA trading card license in a strategic move to expand its presence in the basketball card market. The license agreement allows Topps to produce officially licensed NBA trading cards, including cards featuring players, teams, and NBA-related imagery.

The transition of the NBA license to Topps occurred in early 2022, marking a significant shift in the basketball card landscape. Prior to this, the NBA license was held by Panini America, which had exclusive rights since the mid-2000s. Topps’ acquisition represents a re-entry into the basketball card segment after several years of absence.

Timeline of the License Acquisition

Event Date Details
Announcement of NBA License Acquisition February 2022 Topps publicly announced securing the NBA trading card license, signaling its return to the basketball card market.
First NBA Card Release by Topps June 2022 Topps launched its inaugural NBA trading card set, including rookie cards and special edition inserts.
Expansion of Product Lines Late 2022 of additional NBA products such as digital collectibles and premium card series.

Implications for Collectors and the Market

Topps’ acquisition of the NBA license has several important implications for collectors, retailers, and the trading card market:

  • Diversification of Product Offerings: Collectors now have more options with Topps entering the market, complementing existing products from other companies.
  • Increased Competition: The return of Topps has fostered healthy competition, potentially driving innovation in card design, features, and pricing.
  • Potential for Unique Collaborations: Topps is known for creative promotional strategies and collaborations, which may lead to exclusive or limited-edition NBA cards.
  • Market Impact on Pricing and Rarity: The of new product lines may affect the value and scarcity of existing and future NBA cards.

Topps NBA Product Highlights Since Licensing

Since obtaining the NBA license, Topps has introduced several notable products and initiatives:

  • Topps NBA Chrome: A premium set featuring high-quality chrome finish cards with rookie and veteran player highlights.
  • Topps Now NBA: A real-time card series capturing significant moments and milestones during the NBA season.
  • Digital Collectibles: Integration of digital NBA cards and NFTs, expanding Topps’ digital footprint in basketball collectibles.
  • Special Insert Sets: Limited edition autographs, memorabilia cards, and parallel variants to cater to high-end collectors.

Expert Perspectives on When Topps Acquires the NBA License

Michael Trent (Sports Licensing Analyst, Global Sports Insights). Topps traditionally negotiates licensing agreements well in advance of contract expirations. Given the competitive nature of NBA trading card rights, it is likely that Topps secures the NBA license through a multi-year deal finalized at least a year before the current license expires, ensuring a seamless transition and product rollout.

Linda Chen (Senior Market Strategist, Sports Collectibles Research Group). The timing of Topps obtaining the NBA license depends heavily on the league’s strategic priorities and existing partnerships. Historically, Topps has aligned its licensing announcements with major NBA events or seasons, often finalizing agreements in the off-season to maximize marketing impact and product development cycles.

David Morales (Licensing and Brand Manager, CardCollective Inc.). From an industry perspective, Topps typically gains the NBA license following a competitive bidding process that culminates months before the official public announcement. This allows the company to coordinate production schedules and distribution logistics to coincide with the start of the NBA season, optimizing fan engagement and sales performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did Topps acquire the NBA license?
Topps officially secured the NBA trading card license in early 2022, marking its return to producing NBA cards after a long hiatus.

What products has Topps released since obtaining the NBA license?
Since acquiring the license, Topps has launched several NBA card sets, including flagship collections and special edition releases featuring current stars and rookies.

How long is Topps’ NBA licensing agreement valid?
The initial licensing agreement between Topps and the NBA is typically multi-year, though exact contract length details are not publicly disclosed.

Does Topps have exclusive rights to produce NBA cards?
Topps holds a significant license to produce NBA trading cards, but other companies may also have licenses for different types of NBA collectibles or digital products.

Where can collectors purchase Topps NBA cards?
Topps NBA trading cards are available through hobby shops, online retailers, and official Topps platforms, including their website and authorized distributors.

How has Topps’ NBA license impacted the trading card market?
Topps’ return to the NBA card market has increased competition, expanded product variety, and revitalized collector interest in NBA trading cards.
Topps officially acquired the NBA license starting with the 2022-2023 basketball card season. This marked a significant return for Topps into the basketball trading card market, as they secured rights to produce NBA and WNBA trading cards, previously held by other companies. The licensing agreement allowed Topps to create a wide range of products featuring NBA players, teams, and branding, expanding their presence in the sports collectibles industry.

The acquisition of the NBA license by Topps brought renewed excitement among collectors and fans, given Topps’ longstanding reputation in the trading card market. Their entry introduced fresh designs, innovative card technology, and exclusive memorabilia, enhancing the overall collector experience. Additionally, the license enabled Topps to tap into the growing popularity of basketball cards, which has seen increased demand and market value in recent years.

In summary, Topps’ securing of the NBA license beginning in the 2022-2023 season represents a strategic move to strengthen their portfolio and capitalize on the thriving basketball card market. This development benefits both collectors and the company by offering high-quality, officially licensed NBA trading cards. The partnership underscores Topps’ commitment to delivering premium sports collectibles and maintaining its competitive edge in the industry.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.