The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set has made a grand comeback, reviving a classic brand that captured the hearts of collectors during the early days of Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. Once absent since 2009, Topps Chrome Basketball has returned, showcasing a blend of current superstars, promising rookies, and iconic players, all authorized by the NBA Players Association.
While this release lacks official NBA licensing, as Panini currently holds exclusive rights, it still manages to encapsulate the thrill and allure of the game. Although players are depicted without complete professional attire and team emblems, the cards maintain the allure and excellence that Topps Chrome is renowned for.
The 2023-24 set is a treasure trove for collectors, featuring nearly 30 distinct Refractor variations that offer a plethora of vibrant and visually stunning cards. With unique Refractors like Geometric versions in breaker boxes and basketball background parallels in retail packs, there is no shortage of eye-catching collectibles.
Autographs are a major highlight in this set, ranging from Topps Chrome Autographs to Certified Rookie Autographs and exclusive Certified Autographs only available in retail. Collectors can look forward to on-card signatures from Victor Wembanyama, the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, who has an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics. As a result, Wembanyama’s autographs in the Topps Chrome set are highly sought after given his absence from Panini’s products this season.
The presence of LeBron James is also notable in this release, marking only his second autograph appearance post his association with Fanatics. His initial appearance was in a dual autograph card with his son Bronny James in the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball set.
Furthermore, the set boasts autographs from NBA legends such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal, adding a touch of nostalgia and prestige to the collection.
For collectors, the set offers an array of vibrant inserts in each hobby pack, including Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake. These inserts are designed to be visually striking, with bold colors and designs that enhance the cards’ overall appeal.
In addition to standard inserts, the set includes several Short Print (SSP) inserts like Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars, which pays tribute to a classic Topps insert from the 1990s, evoking nostalgia for long-time collectors.
The set details include 8 cards per pack (Hobby), 12 packs per box (Hobby), 12 boxes per case (Hobby), a total of 190 cards, and a release date slated for August 28, 2024, subject to change. Each hobby box will contain two autographs, along with a selection of inserts and Refractors with Victor Wembanyama featured as card #1 in the base set and across various inserts and autograph cards.
The market’s response to the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball has been overwhelming, with pre-sales for boxes and cases sold out, indicating the high demand and anticipation for this product. Topps cleverly taps into Wembanyama’s rising popularity to reintroduce the Chrome Basketball brand, even without official NBA logos, making this set a must-have for collectors.
As Topps gears up to regain the full NBA license in 2025, the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set plays a crucial role in reestablishing the brand’s position in the basketball card market. Collectors eagerly await Topps’ upcoming releases as the brand continues to expand its offerings in the years ahead.
