The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is creating waves in the collectibles world as it marks the revival of a beloved classic brand. Once celebrated during the rookie seasons of basketball legends like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, Topps Chrome Basketball returns after its last appearance in 2009. Although lacking official NBA licensing due to Panini’s exclusive rights, the set is licensed by the NBA Players Association, ensuring a collection full of excitement and allure.
The latest release of Topps Chrome Basketball intertwines a blend of present-day stars, promising rookies, and iconic players. While the players are portrayed without their full professional attire and team logos, the cards maintain the high-quality standards and charm that Topps Chrome is renowned for.
Highlights of the 2023-24 Set include a plethora of nearly 30 distinct Refractor variations, providing collectors with a diverse array of vibrant and visually captivating cards. Standout Refractors encompass unique versions like Geometric variations available in breaker boxes and basketball background parallels exclusively found in retail packs.
Autographs are a major attraction in this set, featuring Topps Chrome Autographs, Certified Rookie Autographs, and retail-specific Certified Autographs. Noteworthy inclusions are on-card autographs from Victor Wembanyama, the standout 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, who has penned an exclusive deal with Fanatics. The absence of Wembanyama’s autographs in Panini’s products this year further elevates the desirability of his Topps Chrome cards.
The set also spotlights LeBron James, with this collection marking only his second autograph appearance following his transition to a Fanatics exclusive deal. Fans can find his first appearance in a dual autograph card with his son Bronny James in the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball set. Additionally, autographs from NBA legends such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal add an extra layer of nostalgia and prestige to the assortment.
Inserts and Short Prints further enrich the collection, with each hobby pack offering a diverse selection of vibrant inserts, including Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake. These inserts boast striking designs and colors that enhance the visual appeal of the cards.
Moreover, the set incorporates several Short Print (SSP) inserts, such as Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars. Rock Stars pays homage to a classic Topps insert from the 1990s, appealing to collectors with a penchant for nostalgia.
With product details revealing that each hobby box includes eight cards per pack, twelve packs per box, and twelve boxes per case, collectors can expect a total set size of 190 cards upon release on August 28, 2024, subject to change. Each hobby box is set to contain two autographs alongside a selection of inserts and Refractors, prominently featuring Victor Wembanyama across various cards and inserts.
The Market Response to the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set has been overwhelmingly positive, with pre-sales for boxes and cases already selling out. The resurgence of the Chrome Basketball brand, leveraging Wembanyama’s burgeoning popularity despite the absence of official NBA logos, has heightened anticipation among collectors. As Topps paves the way to reclaim the full NBA license in 2025, this set serves as a crucial milestone in the brand’s revival within the basketball card market, leaving collectors eagerly anticipating Topps’ future endeavors.
