The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set arrives as a nostalgic delight for collectors, marking the return of a classic brand that left its mark during the rookie seasons of basketball legends Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. Last seen in 2009, Topps Chrome Basketball is back, offering a blend of current stars, promising rookies, and legendary players in a collection licensed by the NBA Players Association.
Though not licensed by the NBA itself, due to Panini’s exclusive rights, this release manages to capture the essence of the sport with players depicted without full pro uniforms and team logos. However, the cards maintain the quality and allure that the Topps Chrome brand is renowned for.
The 2023-24 set boasts nearly 30 different Refractor variations, providing collectors with a diverse array of visually striking cards. Unique Refractors like Geometric versions in breaker boxes and basketball background parallels in retail packs add depth to the collection.
Autographs are a key highlight of this set, featuring Topps Chrome Autographs, Certified Rookie Autographs, and retail-exclusive Certified Autographs. Notably, Victor Wembanyama, the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, offers on-card autographs in this release, signing an exclusive deal with Fanatics. With Wembanyama absent from Panini products this year, his autographed Topps Chrome cards are highly coveted.
The presence of LeBron James, in only his second autograph appearance since aligning with Fanatics, adds further allure to the set. Notably, James’ first autograph was in a dual card alongside his son in the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball set. Additionally, the set features autographs from NBA legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal, invoking nostalgia and prestige.
The collection includes vibrant inserts like Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake, designed to captivate collectors with bold colors and eye-catching designs. Short Print (SSP) inserts such as Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars offer a nod to classic Topps inserts from the ’90s.
Product Details reveal that each hobby pack contains 8 cards, with 12 packs per box and 12 boxes per case. The set comprises of 190 cards, with a release date set for August 28, 2024, subject to change. Hobby boxes are slated to include two autographs, along with a selection of inserts and Refractors, with Victor Wembanyama featured prominently throughout the set.
The market response has been overwhelming, with pre-sales for the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball boxes and cases selling out quickly, indicating robust demand and anticipation for the product. Leveraging Wembanyama’s rising popularity, Topps is set to reintroduce the Chrome Basketball brand, making this collection a must-have for avid collectors.
As Topps gears up to reclaim 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. With collectors eagerly awaiting Topps’ future offerings, the return of the iconic Topps Chrome Basketball brand brings excitement and nostalgia to the thriving collectibles market.
