Important notice: the licensing situation is in evolution by ongoing agreements and legal proceedings. What you read here summarizes what It has been announced and is expected as of today, but last-minute adjustments may occur.
The essentials in two paragraphs
- Topps/Fanatics signed an agreement to have the exclusive NBA/NBPA license from the cycle that has traditionally been communicated for 2026In recent months, there has been speculation about a practical progress to the course 2025-26 (especially in the face of Topps-branded releases), while lawsuits between companies continue.
- What does this mean for Panini? will not be able to use NBA shields and logos if the exclusivity comes into full force, although it may continue to launch non-NBA licensed products (NCAA/University, NIL, national teams, etc.). Depending on how the processes are resolved, the transit 2025-26 could mix releases from one side or the other.
What can change in your checkouts and checklists?
If Topps starts with the NBA in 2025-26
- Return of historic brands: Topps Chrome/Finest/Cosmic Chrome for basketball, plus “NOW” editions immediately following events.
- Topps RC Shield in NBA rookies (new visual standard for identifying rookies).
- Autographs from “star” rookies more concentrated in Topps if they maintain exclusive personal agreements.
- Checklists with a different philosophy: Topps-style parallels (Refractor, SuperFractor 1/1, etc.) coexisting with new inserts.
If Panini keeps part of 2025-26
- We could see some mid-cycle products (depending on when the actual exclusivity takes effect) or, failing that, more NCAA/University.
- The collector will find a bridge year: Licensed Topps sets and, at the same time, alternative Panini products without NBA logos.
And the values? (collector's vision)
- Topps NBA Rookies “First Year”: If it is the entry year, many collections will treat them as main reference from the batch.
- Latest licensed Panini (if applicable): the final products of an “era” usually have market memory; they can hold value due to nostalgia or the end of a cycle.
- Transition year = opportunities: There will be undervalued cards due to brand/format confusion; a good time for smart collecting.
Background: This is not the first time
- 2009-10: the NBA went to Panini exclusive; Topps/Upper Deck came out of basketball with logos.
- MLB 2010: Topps obtained the exclusivity of MLB (another big board change).
These movements show that the hobby has already lived “changing of the guard” and the market readjusts over time.
Cooper Flagg Case: The Perfect Rookie for a Change of Era
- Draft 2025 and total focus of the hobby.
- You have already had previous letters on NCAA/High School products (Topps/Bowman U, All-American, etc.).
- In 2025, Topps NOW published his first professional letter immediately after the draft, with parallels and car redemptions.
- If Topps launches licensed NBA sets In 2025-26, Flagg would be the face of the first big checklist of rookies of the new era. Wait:
- Chrome/Finest RC with powerful parallels (Gold /50, Orange /25, Black /10, Red /5, SuperFractor 1/1, etc.).
- Great demand for signatures (if individual agreements allow).
- Possible “double narrative” on the market: his college cards as “pre-rookie” vs. his first RC NBA licensed.
How to move as a collector?
- Define your baseline
- If you are a “purist” of RC NBA licensed, focus on the Topps' first NBA sets that they come out that season.
- If you enjoy the full path, adds university/high school as “pre-rookies” to document their careers.
- Follow the autograph agreements
- Personal exclusives can move the value: A rookie without signatures on one brand tends to concentrate demand on the other.
- Checklist and key parallels
- Enter each pitch with a short list of target parallels/inserts (e.g., Chrome Gold, Finest Atomic, Numbered Refractors).
- You avoid impulse purchases and focus on anchor pieces for your PC or investment.
- Quality and condition
- More than ever, focuses the budget in best copies (centering, corners, surface). The license transition does not change hobby rule #1: the condition commands.
FAQ (quick)
Will Panini be able to release NBA logos in 2025-26?
It depends on how and when exclusivity and legal resolutions take effect. The baseline scenario places full exclusivity at 2026, with the possibility of practical advances in 2025-26.
What happens to my “old” Panini NBA?
Nothing changes: your collection is still valid and appreciatedThe history of the hobby recognizes each “era.”
Will 2025-26 rookies have RC in Topps?
If Topps releases licensed NBA products that season, Yeah, and Cooper Flagg will be the main character.