Topps does not currently hold an NBA trading card license, and no official return date has been announced
Topps lost the right to produce official NBA trading cards in 2009 when its license expired and was not renewed. Since then, Panini America held the exclusive license until 2023, when that agreement also ended. As of now, no company has a confirmed active NBA card license, which means there are no officially sanctioned NBA trading cards being produced by any major manufacturer.
The absence of an official license does not mean trading cards have disappeared entirely. Unlicensed cards exist in the market, and older Topps NBA cards from before 2009 remain in circulation among collectors. However, these are not new products backed by the NBA or any current manufacturer agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Topps has not held an NBA license since 2009, and there is no announced timeline for when any company will receive one.
- Panini held the exclusive NBA card license from 2009 to 2023, and that agreement ended without when ready renewal to another manufacturer.
- The NBA has not publicly committed to licensing trading cards to any new company as of the most recent available information.
- Collectors seeking current NBA cards should be aware that any cards labeled as official NBA products are either unlicensed or from the pre-2009 Topps era.
Why Topps Lost the NBA License in 2009
Topps held the NBA license for decades but did not renew it in 2009. The company had been the primary producer of official NBA trading cards since the 1980s, but the license agreement was not extended when it came up for renewal. The NBA chose not to continue with Topps at that time, and Panini America secured the exclusive rights instead.
The reasons behind the NBA's decision to move away from Topps were not publicly detailed in full, but licensing decisions typically involve negotiations over royalty rates, product quality commitments, and market performance. Once Panini took over, Topps was effectively locked out of the NBA card market for the next 14 years.
Panini's License Period and What Happened After 2023
Panini America held the exclusive NBA trading card license from 2009 through 2023. During this time, Panini was the only authorized manufacturer of official NBA cards, and collectors who wanted licensed products had to purchase Panini's offerings. The company produced sets under brand names like Hoops, Prizm, and Contenders.
In 2023, Panini's license agreement with the NBA ended. Unlike the 2009 transition, the NBA did not when ready announce a new exclusive licensee. This left a gap in the market where no company held official rights to produce NBA trading cards. Panini ceased production, and the NBA has not publicly committed to granting a new license to any manufacturer.
Current Status of NBA Trading Card Licensing
As of the most recent information available, the NBA has not announced a new official trading card license holder. This means there are currently no officially sanctioned NBA trading cards being manufactured by any major company. The NBA may be evaluating options, renegotiating terms, or choosing not to license the product at all, but none of these decisions have been made public.
The lack of an active license does not prevent companies from producing cards with NBA player images, but those cards would not carry the "official NBA" designation. Some smaller manufacturers and independent producers have entered the space, but their products are not backed by an NBA licensing agreement.
What This Means for Collectors
Collectors looking for current NBA trading cards face a different market than they did when Panini or Topps held licenses. New official NBA cards are not being produced, which means the supply of newly released licensed products is zero. Collectors can still purchase older Topps cards from before 2009 or Panini cards from 2009 to 2023 through the secondary market, but these are used or vintage inventory.
Some collectors have turned to unlicensed products or cards from other sports leagues. Others are waiting to see whether the NBA will grant a new license and resume official card production. The timeline for any such announcement remains unknown.
Possibility of Topps Returning to the NBA
Topps could theoretically bid for an NBA license in the future if the league decides to grant one. However, there is no indication that this is imminent or even under discussion. Topps itself has faced its own business challenges in recent years, including a failed attempt to merge with MLB's Major League Baseball Properties in 2021, which was blocked by federal regulators.
If the NBA does license trading cards again, the company that wins the rights may or may not be Topps. The NBA could choose to work with Panini again, award the license to a new manufacturer, or grant licenses to multiple companies. Until the NBA makes an official announcement, any speculation about Topps's return is just that — speculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy official Topps NBA cards?
No new Topps NBA cards are being produced. You can purchase older Topps NBA cards from before 2009 through online marketplaces and card shops, but these are secondary market sales of inventory that is now 15 or more years old.
Are there any official NBA trading cards being made right now?
No. As of 2024, no company holds an active NBA trading card license. Any cards labeled as official NBA products are either from the Panini era (2009–2023) or unlicensed.
When will the NBA license trading cards again?
The NBA has not announced a timeline or confirmed that it will license trading cards in the future. There is no public information about when or whether a new license will be granted.
Could Topps get the NBA license back?
It is possible but not confirmed. Topps would need to bid for the license if the NBA decides to grant one, but there is no indication this is being discussed or planned.