The iconic Topps Chrome Basketball brand has made a triumphant return in the form of the 2023-24 set, delighting collectors with a nostalgic nod to its earlier glory days. Initially capturing the hearts of fans during the rookie seasons of legends like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, Topps Chrome Basketball has now resurfaced after a hiatus since 2009.
Although the set is not officially licensed by the NBA itself due to Panini’s exclusive rights, it doesn’t fail to impress. While players are depicted without their full team uniforms and logos, the quality and allure of Topps Chrome are unmistakable, drawing in collectors with a mix of current stars, promising rookies, and legendary players, all licensed by the NBA Players Association.
The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is a treasure trove for collectors, boasting nearly 30 different Refractor variations that offer a kaleidoscope of colors and visual effects. From the eye-catching Geometric versions available in breaker boxes to the basketball background parallels found in retail packs, each card is a work of art in its own right.
Autographs take center stage in this set, featuring Topps Chrome Autographs, Certified Rookie Autographs, and exclusive Certified Autographs only found in retail. One of the most sought-after signatures in this collection belongs to Victor Wembanyama, the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, who opted for an exclusive deal with Fanatics. Collectors will be thrilled to own his on-card autographs, especially since he hasn’t signed with Panini this year, making his Topps Chrome cards highly coveted.
LeBron James enthusiasts will also find something special in this set, with this release marking only his second autograph appearance post his Fanatics exclusivity deal. His first appearance was in a dual autograph card shared with his son Bronny James in the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball set. Legendary NBA figures like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal also grace the set with their autographs, adding a touch of nostalgia and prestige.
In addition to the autographs and base cards, collectors can expect a dazzling array of inserts in each hobby pack, including Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake. These inserts are crafted to stand out, featuring vibrant colors and intricate designs that elevate the overall visual appeal of the cards.
The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set also surprises collectors with Short Print (SSP) inserts like Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars. The Rock Stars insert pays homage to a classic Topps design from the 1990s, adding a nostalgic twist for long-time collectors.
With each hobby box containing 8 cards per pack, 12 packs per box, and 12 boxes per case, collectors can expect a total of 190 cards in the set. Scheduled for release on August 28, 2024, this date is subject to change, so enthusiasts should stay tuned for updates.
Market response to the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set has been overwhelmingly positive, with pre-sales for boxes and cases already sold out. Leveraging Victor Wembanyama’s rising popularity, Topps has successfully reignited interest in the Chrome Basketball brand, proving that its appeal transcends official NBA licensing. As Topps gears up to regain full NBA licensing in 2025, collectors eagerly anticipate future releases and expansions from this beloved brand.
