The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is creating waves in the collector community as it marks the return of a beloved brand that has been dormant since 2009. Despite not having the official NBA license, the set remains highly anticipated for its mix of current stars, promising rookies, and legendary players, all featured in a licensed NBA Players Association set.
This release of Topps Chrome Basketball manages to capture the essence of the sport without the full pro uniforms and team logos due to Panini’s exclusive rights. However, the cards still boast the exceptional quality and appeal that the Topps Chrome brand is renowned for.
One of the highlights of the 2023-24 set is the plethora of nearly 30 different Refractor variations, offering collectors a vibrant array of cards. From Geometric versions in breaker boxes to basketball background parallels in retail packs, there is no shortage of visually striking options for collectors to chase.
Autograph cards are another major draw of this set, featuring Topps Chrome Autographs, Certified Rookie Autographs, and retail-exclusive Certified Autographs. Of particular interest are the exclusive on-card autographs from Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, who signed a deal with Fanatics. With no autographs in Panini’s products this year, Wembanyama’s cards in the Topps Chrome set have become highly coveted.
LeBron James also makes a significant appearance in this release, with his second autograph since becoming a Fanatics exclusive. Fans will appreciate his presence in the set, especially after his dual autograph card with his son in the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball set.
The inclusion of autographs from NBA legends such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal adds a touch of nostalgia and prestige to the collection, appealing to fans of all generations.
Collectors can look forward to a variety of vibrant inserts in each hobby pack, including Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake. These inserts are designed with bold colors and unique designs to enhance the visual appeal of the cards.
In addition to the standard inserts, the set features Short Print (SSP) inserts like Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars. The Rock Stars insert pays homage to a classic from the 1990s, adding a nostalgic flair for long-time collectors.
With each hobby box containing two autographs, along with a selection of inserts and Refractors, collectors are in for a treat. The release date for the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is slated for August 28, 2024, with each box offering a glimpse into the world of basketball collectibles.
Pre-sales for the set have already sold out, showcasing the immense demand and excitement surrounding this nostalgic comeback. As Topps looks ahead to reclaiming the full NBA license in 2025, the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set serves as a crucial step in reestablishing the brand’s presence in the basketball card market. Collectors are eagerly awaiting future releases as Topps continues to innovate and expand its offerings in the years to come.