The NFL has officially reunited with Topps, the iconic trading card brand owned by Fanatics Collectibles, in a long-term deal that establishes Topps as the league’s exclusive trading card partner. This move follows the expiration of Panini America’s rights and restores Topps’ ability to use official NFL logos, team names, and player uniforms for the first time since 2016.
The Debut: 2025 Topps Chrome Football
The first major release under this new era will be the 2025 Topps Chrome Football set.
- Pre-orders: April 3, 2026
- Official Launch: April 15, 2026
Focus on Innovation and Storytelling
The partnership aims to deepen fan engagement by focusing on “meaningful moments.” Two high-end concepts featuring game-worn elements will headline the inaugural set:
- Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autographs: These cards feature patches worn by the 2025 NFL Draft class during their first official regular-season games.
- NFL Honors Gold Shield Autographs: These cards include the gold NFL shield patches worn by 2024 award winners throughout the 2025 season.
Quotes from Leadership
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to build a program that honors the legacy of the game while introducing never-before-seen levels of innovation and premium design.”
Casey Collins, NFL Senior VP of Consumer Products, added: “By leveraging Topps’ expertise, we will reach fans and collectors around the world with one-of-a-kind offerings and experiences.”
The Road Ahead
Beyond digital and physical products, the partnership will come to life at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Fanatics and the NFL plan to host a multi-day interactive celebration featuring live pack openings and free collectibles for fans.
This transition follows a period of intense legal friction between Fanatics and Panini. While Panini has filed antitrust lawsuits alleging monopolistic behavior, Fanatics has countered by citing its rival’s inability to keep pace with the evolving market. With NFL card sales increasing sixfold since 2019, this deal signals a massive shift in the multi-billion dollar collectibles industry.