Topps, a renowned name in the trading card industry, has teamed up with the NCAA to unveil its first-ever March Madness basketball card series. This special collection comprises packs containing eight cards each, priced at $139.99. The highlight of these packs is a guaranteed autograph card from a selection of standout players from the collegiate basketball scene.
Among the featured athletes are Zach Edey, the men’s Player of the Year from Purdue, and Caitlin Clark, the women’s Player of the Year. Each pack not only includes the prized autograph card but also six base cards and one parallel card numbered to 99 or fewer. Fans and collectors alike have the opportunity to purchase these exclusive packs until Thursday through Topps’ official website, with the promise of dual autograph cards appearing in one out of every ten packs.
The series showcases a curated list of 20 prominent college basketball players who have agreed to be part of this unique card collection. The lineup for the Bowman U NOW March Madness series includes a mix of talented individuals from both the men’s and women’s divisions. From Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham of Kentucky to Aaliyah Edwards and Paige Bueckers from UConn, the collection captures the essence of NCAA basketball stardom.
In addition to individual player cards, the series also features noteworthy dual autographs that are sure to excite collectors. Pairings like Clark/Edey, Clark/Reese, Reese/Van Lith, and Sheppard/Dillingham add a special touch to the set, offering fans the chance to own rare and unique memorabilia.
One standout detail about the collection is the time-sensitive availability of Caitlin Clark’s cards. Due to her upcoming exclusive trading card agreement with Panini America, Topps’ ability to feature Clark in its card series will come to a close on April 1. This makes the March Madness series even more significant for fans looking to add Clark’s cards to their collections.
The collaboration between Topps and the NCAA not only brings together the world of trading cards and college basketball but also integrates the iconic March Madness logo and branding into the products. The success of this inaugural series paves the way for potential future joint projects that aim to celebrate the spirit of collegiate sports through collectibles.
In a season that saw over 120 Bowman U cards released via the Topps NOW platform, the March Madness series stands out as a highlight for basketball enthusiasts. With a special focus on college basketball talents like Caitlin Clark, who has graced 13 different cards within this collection alone, Topps continues to captivate collectors with the vibrancy and excitement of college sports. The inclusion of college players in the traditional Topps Bowman University line further enriches the overall experience for trading card aficionados, cementing the bond between sports and collectibles.