2025 Topps Basketball

Set Checklist and Overview

By CardVis CheckList Team 10/09/2025

The Return of Topps NBA Cards: After a 16-year hiatus, Topps Basketball is back in the game with a fully licensed NBA card set for the 2025-26 season. Collectors have eagerly awaited Topps’ return since the last flagship NBA release in 2009-10, and the new partnership (Topps’ parent Fanatics now holds the exclusive NBA license) officially began on October 1, 2025. This landmark release has generated tremendous excitement in the hobby – not only for nostalgia, but also for the fresh energy and innovation Topps promises to bring. Fans of Panini’s era are curious to see the shift; many feel Panini’s offerings had grown a bit stale, and the change in license “is going to bring in a lot of excitement” according to hobby insiders. Topps is embracing this moment with enthusiasm, launching its flagship NBA product featuring an eye-catching mix of past, present, and future stars. It’s truly a new era on the hardwood, and collectors are buzzing.

The product’s significance can’t be overstated. Not only does it mark Topps’ long-awaited NBA homecoming, it also delivers some hobby “firsts” that were impossible under Panini’s reign. For example, collectors can now pull Victor Wembanyama’s first Topps-certified autographs in his San Antonio Spurs uniform – a huge draw given Wemby’s superstar hype. Additionally, LeBron James autographs are finally available in an NBA-licensed Topps product (Upper Deck had held his exclusive autograph rights for years, so this is the first time in over 15 years that fully licensed LeBron autos are in packs). Topps even secured Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, as the cover athlete and an exclusive signer. Flagg is a generational prospect, and Topps chose him to symbolize both the brand’s storied past and the game’s future. All these factors combine to make 2025-26 Topps Basketball one of the most significant releases in recent hobby history – a celebration of Topps’ legacy and a bold step forward for basketball cards.

Release Date & Product Configuration

Release Schedule: The official release date for 2025-26 Topps Basketball was October 23, 2025, timed to coincide with the start of the NBA season and celebrated with launch events at the New York and Los Angeles NBA stores. (Topps even hosted special release-day festivities with NBA players and giveaways to herald its return.) Hobby boxes and Jumbo boxes hit the market in late October, while retail formats like blaster boxes and 16-pack “mega” boxes followed in early November. This staggered rollout ensured that collectors of all levels – from hobby shops to big-box retail shoppers – could get their hands on the new Topps packs. Hobby vs. Jumbo vs. Retail: Topps is offering multiple configurations for this product to suit different collecting preferences. Here’s an overview of what to expect from each format: Hobby Box: 12 cards per pack, 20 packs per box. Each Hobby box averages one autograph or relic* hit, plus a bevy of inserts and parallels. Specifically, Hobby boxes deliver about 4 base parallels (with at least 1 numbered parallel), 7 insert cards, 2 retro 1980-81 Topps insert cards, and 2 short-printed insert cards per box on average. Hits are not guaranteed to be autographs – you might pull a memorabilia card as your box hit – but the content overall is rich and well-balanced for set collectors and hit chasers alike. Hobby boxes were initially priced around $110 direct from Topps, making them an accessible entry into the product for most collectors. Jumbo Hobby Box: 40 cards per pack, 10 packs per box (packed in 8-box cases). Jumbos are the premium configuration, guaranteeing one autograph AND one relic* per box. They also contain more inserts and parallels: roughly 12 base parallels (4 of them numbered) and 14 inserts per Jumbo box, plus 4 short-print inserts and 4 of the 1980-81 retro inserts. Additionally, each Jumbo includes 2 bonus silver promo packs – these packs often contain exclusive Chrome cards or additional hits as a value-add. Jumbo boxes were offered around $229 MSRP and tend to yield the best content for those chasing autos and low-numbered parallels. Retail Formats: To reach a wide audience, Topps also produced retail SKUs. Blaster boxes (7 packs per blaster) and Mega boxes (16 packs) were made for retail chains. These formats don’t guarantee hits, but they introduce exclusive parallels – for example, retail packs have Holo* foil parallels not found in hobby, and Blasters contain special “Season Tip-Off” parallels according to Topps’ solicitations. There are also value “hanger” packs and even a Costco-exclusive “Super Box” loaded with packs. No matter the format, every box of 2025-26 Topps Basketball includes a little bonus: Topps has seeded “promo packs” in each Hobby and Jumbo box (and certain retail products) which can contain unique cards or parallels as a fun extra. In short, whether you splurge on a Jumbo case or rip a blaster from Walmart, you’ll get a taste of Topps’ grand return.

Base Set & Rookie Content

A Deep 300-Card Checklist: True to Topps flagship form, the base set is expansive – 300 cards in total. This checklist is a hearty mix of current NBA stars, rising newcomers, and legendary veterans, giving collectors a comprehensive snapshot of the league. Unlike many Panini-era sets that often focused narrowly on top stars, Topps has included role players and fan favorites to please set builders. In fact, the base set even features 30 combo cards that pair up players (think along the lines of classic League Leaders or dynamic duos) for additional collectability. These multi-player cards bring a bit of nostalgia and fun, echoing old-school insert concepts within the base set itself. Rookies Galore: Of the 300 cards, approximately 45 are rookie cards – and Topps has some surprises here. Obviously, the product highlights the 2025 NBA Draft class, headlined by #1 pick Cooper Flagg. Flagg appears not only on the box cover but also in the base set with the official Topps RC badge, making this his flagship rookie card. Other 2025 draftees and rookie standouts are included as well. But Topps didn’t stop at just the new draft class – they also incorporated a few up-and-coming phenoms who are on the NBA horizon. For example, high school/college prospects like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, Kon Knueppel, and Tre Johnson have cards in the set, even if they are not in the NBA yet. This is unprecedented in a flagship product – effectively a blend of “First Bowman” style prospecting into the main NBA set. It gives collectors a chance to grab early cardboard of the next generation of superstars before they even hit the league. Each of those future stars is noted with the Topps rookie logo as part of a special subset, signaling Topps’ confidence in their NBA futures. Of course, the set also includes the key rookies from the prior season that Topps couldn’t make cards for until now – for instance, Victor Wembanyama appears in the base set as a San Antonio Spur, now under the Topps banner. Even though Wemby’s true rookie year was 2023-24, this is his first Topps base card, which many collectors consider a significant card in its own right.

Inserts & Parallels

Parallel Rainbow: In true Topps fashion, 2025-26 Topps Basketball comes with a rainbow of parallels to chase for each of the 300 base cards. Collectors can expect the familiar Rainbow Foilboard (unnumbered) as a staple parallel falling every few packs. From there, the parallels get serial-numbered and increasingly rare: Gold bordered cards numbered to 2025 (a nod to the year, as Topps does in baseball), Purple (/250), Blue (/150), Green (/99), Black (/68 – an unusual number, perhaps tied to the 68th NBA season), and then more exotic finishes like Gold Rainbow (/50) and Orange Rainbow (/25). Two especially unique parallels are worth highlighting: a “Wood” parallel #/25 – presumably with a woodgrain-style background, evoking the look of the basketball court – and an ultra-rare “Clear” acetate parallel #/10, which is printed on transparent stock for a see-through card. At the pinnacle of the parallel chase are the 1-of-1 editions: every base card has a FoilFractor 1/1 (Topps’ answer to a Superfractor, with a foilboard finish), and intriguingly, a “First Card 1/1” as well. That “First Card” parallel appears to be a special one-off for card #1 in the set (likely commemorating the first card of Topps’ new NBA era). Finally, as mentioned, Golden Mirror image variations act as super-short-printed parallels too – essentially a parallel set of 300 cards with different photos, each a tough pull. In summary, rainbow collectors will have their hands full; Topps has ensured that player collectors can chase their favorite in everything from a shiny foil common all the way down to multiple unique 1/1 versions. Insert Arsenal: Topps has loaded this product with a wide array of insert sets, drawing inspiration from basketball culture, comic books, and of course Topps’ own heritage. Inserts come in both Hobby and retail packs (with some retail-exclusive themes), and many have their own parallel versions to chase. Here are some of the notable insert sets you’ll find in 2025-26 Topps Basketball:

• All Kings: A playing card–inspired insert set that “crowns” the biggest veterans and hottest rookies as kings of the court. These cards feature a sleek playing card design – imagine your favorite player as the King in a deck of cards – and make for a fun subset to collect or even display as a pseudo deck. (Consider these a spiritual successor to past playing-card themed inserts.)

• Rise to Stardom: Focused on the rookies, this insert charts the journey of new NBA players on their path to becoming stars. The design has dynamic graphics and a headline-style “RISE” motif, giving it a bold look. If you pull your favorite team’s top rookie here, it’s like getting a mini timeline of their ascent – a very thematic rookie-centric insert that feels right at home in a debut Topps set.

• MVP Vault: A showcase of players who have won the league’s Most Valuable Player award. These inserts celebrate the elite company of NBA MVPs – from legendary icons like LeBron James to today’s superstars like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The MVP Vault design carries a prestige feel, almost like you’re peering into a trophy case of MVP hardware.

The Daily Dribble & New School: The Daily Dribble offers a newspaper-style roundup of current NBA storylines and stat-stuffers (a nod to the classic Topps “Newspaper” inserts of the past), while New School* puts a spotlight on the league’s fresh faces and young talent with a modern design. Both sets mix graphical flair with player info, adding depth to the insert roster. Levitation & No Limit: These two sets bring some visual flair – Levitation cards capture gravity-defying moments (think of players soaring for dunks or blocks) with eye-popping designs, and No Limit* features star players with a design suggesting there are no limits to their talent, printed with multiple parallel levels including foil and colors.

• Stars of the NBA: A straightforward insert honoring the top-tier veteran stars of the league. If you’re hunting cards of LeBron, Curry, Durant, etc., this insert will be a go-to. It’s akin to Topps’ classic All-Star or All-NBA subsets, giving the headliners extra love.

• 1980-81 Topps Throwbacks: A retro homage, this insert (and its autograph versions) uses the 1980-81 Topps basketball design – famously the year of the three-panel Larry Bird/Magic Johnson rookie card. These inserts replicate that vintage look, complete with the old Topps basketball logo, and feature this year’s rookies and stars in a nostalgia-laced format. For collectors who remember the tallboys and tri-panel cards of the past, this set is pure fan service. There are parallel versions too (including a Platinum 1/1), and even Chrome technology variants inserted via special promo packs.

Case-Hit Inserts – Home Court & Comic Court: These are the ultra-rare chases. Home Court and Comic Court are both case-hit level inserts, meaning they fall roughly one per case (if that). Topps has teased these as unique, super short-printed concepts. Home Court likely showcases players in a home arena setting or with a floor motif, whereas Comic Court* sounds like a comic-book-inspired design, perhaps with illustrated artwork or a Marvel-esque vibe. These will be this product’s equivalent of Panini’s Kaboom or Downtown inserts – expect loud, colorful art and big values on the secondary market for the top names. Hidden Gems & Class of ’25: Two more rare insert sets: Hidden Gems is a case-hit insert themed around gemstones, highlighting rare talents or “gem” players with actual gem names for parallels (e.g. Emerald /10, Alexandrite /5, Painite 1/1). Class of ’25* is a limited insert celebrating the 2025 draft class; it’s also a case hit, with base versions and Red /5 and 1/1 parallels. Pulling a Class of ’25 featuring Cooper Flagg or another top rookie is akin to getting a graduation card for this hyped class – a very cool concept for commemorating the new rookie crop.

And that’s not all – Topps has even more inserts (such as Sonic Boom, Sole Ambition, 8-Bit Ballers, Generation Now, Power Players, Clutch City Prospects, Hardwood Stars, Companion, Oversized, Scan & Slam, Social Media Followback, Limited Stock Legends, etc.) as mentioned in product details. The list is exhaustive, but the key takeaway is variety: there are inserts for every kind of fan, from comic art lovers to stat geeks to old-school nostalgists. Many of these inserts also have their own parallels (Green /99, Gold /50, Orange /25, Black /10, Red /5, FoilFractor 1/1, etc., on varying scales), so completing a rainbow or set will be a fun challenge. Collectors will have a blast discovering these inserts as they rip packs – each pack should contain at least one insert, adding surprise and value beyond just the base cards.

Autographs & Chase Cards

If the base and inserts aren’t enticing enough, Topps has stacked the autograph and memorabilia content to truly make this product a slam dunk. Autographs are a major draw in 2025-26 Topps Basketball, and the checklist is loaded with both current stars and future phenoms – including a few names that basketball card collectors haven’t seen on signed cards in ages.

Headliner Autographs: The two biggest autograph headlines are Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James. Wembanyama’s autograph appears in a Topps product for the first time ever (and notably, it’s his first NBA-licensed autograph card in a Spurs jersey). These are dubbed “The Real One” Autographs, essentially Wemby’s flagship rookie autos, and they will be highly sought-after – imagine pulling a Wembanyama on-card auto as he embarks on his NBA career. Meanwhile, LeBron James agreed to sign for this Topps release – a monumental development, as LeBron autographs have been absent from NBA card products for over 15 years due to exclusive deals. Topps managed to include LeBron ink “exclusively in this release,” meaning lucky collectors could snag a pack-pulled Lakers LeBron autograph – truly a holy grail level hit for modern NBA cards. The significance of these two cannot be overstated: Wemby and LeBron autos instantly put this product on the map as a must-break for hit chasers. Rookie Autographs: Collectors will be pleased with the breadth of rookie ink available. Topps created a dedicated autograph subset using the 1980-81 Topps design for Rookie Autographs, and it features the biggest names of the 2025 rookie class. Cooper Flagg leads the way here as well – his on-card autos in the retro design (like the one pictured above) will be among the key hits. Other top rookies like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and more are included, each signing cards that pay homage to Topps heritage while capturing the excitement of their NBA debuts. These 1980-81 tribute autos even have parallels: you can chase colored versions and a 1/1 Platinum, just as with the base insert, adding further rarity to the mix. Additionally, Topps held a Rookie Photo Shoot autograph session, resulting in a set of Rookie Photo Shoot Autographs – these cards feature images from the NBA rookie photoshoot and are hard-signed by the players. There are single-signed versions and even Dual Rookie Photo Shoot Autographs that pair two young stars on one card (imagine landing a dual-auto of two top picks from the class!). These dual autos are extremely limited (Red parallel #/5 and a 1/1 Platinum are the only versions), making them true case hits that will command a premium for the lucky puller. Veteran & Legendary Signers: Beyond the rookies, Topps brought in plenty of veteran star power for the autograph checklist. Fans can find autos from current superstars like Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Luka Dončić, and others – some of these likely fall under sets like Marks of Excellence, Contemporary Marks, and Havoc Marks, which are themed autograph inserts for established players. Each of those sets has parallels down to 1/1, offering chances at low-numbered ink from big names. Retired legends are also in play: Topps has teased that legends who defined the sport will have autographs in this product. We could see names like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Allen Iverson, or Shaquille O’Neal signing for Topps again – a thrilling prospect for collectors who remember chasing their autos in the 2000s. And for a bit of off-court flair, there’s even a Spike Lee autograph card in the product. Spike is a famous super-fan (often seen courtside at Knicks games), and Topps included his signed card as a fun crossover collectible – a nod to basketball culture intersecting with pop culture. It’s little surprises like this that show Topps is looking to differentiate their content and celebrate basketball beyond just the players. Autograph Formats: Topps has largely favored on-card signatures in this inaugural release, which will please many collectors who dislike sticker autos. Early indications from preview images show players like Flagg, Wemby, and Harper with bold on-card signatures. Of course, there may be a few sticker autos for logistical reasons, but Topps is aware that a clean on-card auto (with that “Topps Certified Autograph Issue” stamp) is part of what collectors loved about Topps products of old. Expect the autograph cards to have various designs – from the retro 80-81 style, to full-bleed action shots, to dual-signed layouts – providing nice visual variety. Many autos also have colored parallel versions (e.g. Green /99, Orange /25, Red /5, 1/1 FoilFractors, etc.) to ramp up the chase. There are even Triple Autographs hidden in the mix (Topps alluded to triple autos under the 1980-81 Topps Chrome banner), which could feature trios of rookies or a mix of legends. Relics and Memorabilia: While autographs grab headlines, Topps also included memorabilia cards to add value and variety. The flagship relic set is called “Flagship Real One Relics,” which take a player’s base card photo and add an authentic piece of game-worn or player-worn memorabilia. These relics span both “all-time greats like Stephen Curry” and “rising stars like Cooper Flagg,” offering something for fans of all eras. The relic swatches can be jersey pieces, and in rare cases prime patches. Parallels of relics exist too – for instance, low-numbered versions with patch pieces or special foil stamping. Pulling a Curry patch relic or a rookie’s first jersey swatch can be a thrilling consolation if you don’t hit an auto. Other memorabilia subsets likely include things like Rookie Roundball Remnants (rookie jersey relics), Franchise Fabrics (team-themed vet swatches), or even multi-swatch cards. Topps is known for including creative relics (jerseys, warm-up gear, maybe pieces of basketballs or shoes in future sets), so this first product lays the groundwork with solid jersey hit content. While Hobby boxes aren’t guaranteed an autograph (some yield a relic as the hit), Jumbo boxes guarantee one of each, so the relic hits do contribute to the overall value of a break.

Who Is This Product For?

Topps has crafted this release to appeal to a broad spectrum of basketball card enthusiasts. Here’s a look at who will particularly enjoy 2025-26 Topps Basketball:

• Long-Time Collectors & Topps Nostalgists: If you grew up collecting Topps (or have fond memories of Topps Chrome and Finest from the ’90s and 2000s), this product is a dream come true. It’s dripping with nostalgia – from retro insert designs to the mere fact of having the Topps logo on NBA cards again. The feel of the base set and the celebration of Topps history (like the 1980-81 tributes) will warm any old-school collector’s heart. As one hobby veteran put it, Topps coming back “brings [collectors] back to the nostalgic roots” of the hobby. This product is a perfect gateway for lapsed collectors to return, or for existing collectors to reconnect with what they loved about Topps cards. And with legends and retired stars included, those who collected those players decades ago can now chase new Topps cards of their favorites.

• Rookie Hunters and Prospectors: The inclusion of the 2025 draft class and even future prospects makes this set a goldmine for those who chase rookie cards. It’s essentially the first chance to get a licensed card of guys like Flagg, Harper, and others who could be the next big thing in the NBA. If you’re someone who likes to invest in rookies early, Topps Basketball gives you that opportunity in a way Panini’s products haven’t – by reaching into the future a bit. Plus, the product has multiple rookie-focused inserts and parallels (e.g. Rise to Stardom inserts, rookie photo shoot autos, etc.), so it’s definitely tailored to those who want to stock up on the next generation of stars. The fact that Flagg is an exclusive Topps athlete and the face of the product also signals that Topps will be heavily focused on rookies in their new NBA line.

• Autograph & Hit Collectors: If you love chasing autos and case hits, Topps Basketball offers plenty of high-end thrills. The draw of possibly hitting a Wembanyama or LeBron auto is huge – these are cards that could define a collection (or fund it, if you sell). With at least one autograph or relic per hobby box (and guaranteed autos in Jumbo), hit-focused collectors will get that rush from each box. And because Topps loaded even non-auto case hits like Home Court/Comic Court, there are additional big pulls to sweat beyond just the autographs. Those who gravitate toward Kabooms, Color Blasts, and the like will be intrigued by Topps’ spin on ultra-rares in this product. This release is also for the collectors who appreciate on-card autographs and game-used memorabilia. Topps has a strong reputation for on-card sigs and a commitment to including game-worn jersey pieces, addressing some of the complaints people had about sticker autos or “event-worn” relics in recent years. In short, if you crack boxes for the hits, Topps Basketball will satisfy with a fresh assortment of desirable chase cards.

• Basketball Fans New to Cards: Let’s not forget, a new license era can attract newcomers. NBA fans who perhaps didn’t collect Panini cards might be drawn in by the Topps brand name (since Topps is so synonymous with sports cards). This product, with its retail blasters and approachable price point, is a good entry point for a basketball fan looking to dip their toes in collecting. The cards are vibrant, the checklist features every big name you’d want, and the hit potential is exciting. Topps has also emphasized making the packaging and presentation appealing – Cooper Flagg on the box with the Mavericks’ blue color scheme pops on store shelves. So if you’re an NBA fan walking by the card aisle, Topps Basketball might catch your eye and convert you into a card collector. It’s positioned as an accessible yet thrilling product for the hobby at large.

2025-26 Topps Basketball is a triumphant return that manages to cater to both the purist collector and the thrill-seeker. It’s for the person who will sit down to collate a base set and for the person who will scream with joy after pulling a monster hit. It’s for those who cherish the past (holding a card design from 1980 in their hands again) and those looking ahead to the future (securing the first cards of tomorrow’s superstars). Topps has set the stage for a new chapter in basketball cards, and this flagship product is the tip-off. Whether you rip one pack or a full case, you’ll be part of Topps’ big comeback season – and judging by the buzz so far, the hobby couldn’t be more thrilled to have Topps back on the court. Happy collecting!