The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is a long-awaited return of a classic brand that once captured the hearts of collectors during the early days of legendary players like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. Making its comeback after a hiatus since 2009, this release brings a blend of current stars, promising newcomers, and basketball icons, all showcased in a collection licensed by the NBA Players Association.
Although not directly licensed by the NBA itself due to Panini’s exclusive rights, the set manages to maintain the thrilling essence of the sport. While the players are shown without full team logos and professional uniforms, the cards retain the high-quality and charm that Topps Chrome is renowned for.
Diving into the highlights of the 2023-24 set, collectors can expect nearly 30 different Refractor variations, offering a diverse array of colorful and visually appealing cards. Unique Refractors like Geometric versions in breaker boxes and basketball background parallels in retail packs add depth and intrigue to the collection.
Autographs play a significant role in the set, featuring Topps Chrome Autographs, Certified Rookie Autographs, and retail-exclusive Certified Autographs. Noteworthy is the inclusion of on-card autographs from Victor Wembanyama, the anticipated 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, who has a distinct autograph deal with Fanatics. Collectors are eager to acquire Wembanyama’s autographed cards, as they are not available in Panini products this year.
The set also shines the spotlight on basketball superstar LeBron James, marking only his second autograph appearance following his exclusive partnership with Fanatics. His presence in the set adds to the allure, especially after his debut in a dual autograph card with his son Bronny James in the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball set.
In addition to modern stars, the set pays tribute to NBA legends such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal, embodying a sense of nostalgia and prestige for collectors.
Enthusiasts can anticipate an assortment of vibrant inserts in each hobby pack, including Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake, designed to be visually striking with bold colors and exceptional designs. The set also features several Short Print (SSP) inserts like Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars, with the latter honoring a classic Topps insert from the 1990s, adding a nostalgic twist for long-time fans.
Product details outline that each hobby box contains 8 cards per pack, 12 packs per box, and 12 boxes per case, with a set size of 190 cards. The anticipated release date is August 28, 2024, subject to any changes. Each hobby box will include two autographs, along with various inserts and Refractors, prominently featuring Victor Wembanyama across multiple cards and autographs.
The market has shown a robust response to the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set, with pre-sales for boxes and cases already sold out, underscoring the strong demand and excitement among collectors. Leveraging Wembanyama’s increasing popularity, Topps has successfully reintroduced the Chrome Basketball brand, making this set a must-have despite lacking official NBA logos.
As Topps looks ahead to reclaim the full NBA license in 2025, the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set serves as a significant milestone in reestablishing the brand’s presence in the basketball card market. With collectors eagerly awaiting future offerings and expansions from Topps, the buzz surrounding this iconic return continues to grow.
