Topps Returns to basketball: First Flagship Checklist of the Fanatics Era (2025–26)

Topps is officially back on the NBA floor. The first flagship Topps Basketball (2025–26) checklist has landed—kicking off the Fanatics era with a product that feels classic-Topps but tuned for today’s chase. In this quick breakdown, Grayson walks through the hits, the inserts, the rookie storylines, and why LeBron + Wemby true-uniform signatures make this launch more than just nostalgia.

“This is the first Topps Basketball flagship we’ve seen for the NBA in… a very long time—and it looks like a statement.”

Box Promise: “One Autograph or Relic”

On the sell sheet/checklist, Topps calls out “Look for one autograph or relic in every box.” That’s an either/or—so unlike a guaranteed-auto box (think Donruss), you might land a jersey/relic instead of ink. Manage the expectation, enjoy the rip.

Quick take: Autos will carry the heat; relics rise when the checklist and design sing.

Inserts for Days: Two Dozen Sets

This flagship leans into variety—“two dozen insert sets”—which is great for set builders and for social-friendly hits.

Highlights Grayson calls out:

• Stars of the NBA — modern hero shots done clean.

• 8-Bit Ballers — arcade nostalgia for anyone who lived on NBA Jam.

• Power Players — big, bold action.

• All Kings — regal, portrait-style; the one Gray marked “gorgeous.”

“A Superfractor of one of those clean portrait inserts? ‘Would sell for more than my car,’” Gray jokes. Point made: insert identity matters.

Autographs: “Flagship Real One,” Duals & Triples

You’ll see Flagship Real One Autographs plus additional auto concepts that nod to Topps heritage. Gray flags that dual/triple autos look beautiful but can be volatile—if one name on the card underperforms, the value can skew.

Veteran ink looks lively: he name-drops Alonzo Mourning, Penny Hardaway, Larry Johnson, Metta World Peace, and more—nice breadth for 90s/00s PC builders.

Jersey Cards: Watch the Wording

Topps shows jersey/relic cards using the base design. They look sharp. The big question—game-used vs. player-worn—is in the fine print. Read the backs, and let real-game provenance guide your PC vs. flip decisions.

Rookies & Triples: All-Rookie Ink and a Future Star

Rookie content is front-and-center, with rookie triple autographs and the usual photo-shoot signings. Grayson singles out a future-face-of-the-league card:

• Cooper Flagg — Real One Autograph: his “absolute pick.” If the design carries and the auto quality stays high, this will be a lightning-rod card.

Retail SKUs: Harden Yes, LeBron Likely No

Grayson spots James Harden appearing in retail-tier autos while LeBron likely doesn’t in those SKUs. Translation: if you’re hunting LeBron ink, plan for hobby or specific configurations; retail might be a fun chase for Harden and others.

The Headline: LeBron & Wemby True-Uniform Signatures

This is the moment. First true-uniform signatures for LeBron (under the new era) and Victor Wembanyama (arguably first time in this specific Topps flagship context) elevate the checklist from “nice return” to “historic start.” Expect attention on pack odds, numbering, and photo selection.

“LeBron and Wemby in proper team gear, with on-brand Topps auto designs—that’s hobby oxygen.”

Price & Availability

In the video, Gray mentions seeing it on Topps Direct around $110 USD. Prices move—check current pricing and allocation before you post your buy links. We’ll list our boxes and breaks as soon as stock lands.

How to Collect This Release (Smartly)

1. Pick an insert identity. All Kings for portraits? 8-Bit for nostalgia? Complete a rainbow or a player run.

2. Chase autos with intention. Prioritise on-card where possible; vet / rookie balance matters.

3. Mind the duals/triples. Great when all three players have heat; riskier if one lags.

4. Retail vs. Hobby strategy. Target retail for fun, hobby for grails; read SKU-specific checklists.

5. Grade selectively. Clean autos and sharp corners on key rookies/inserts are grading candidates.

Final Word

Topps’ first NBA flagship of the Fanatics era feels like a proper opener: bold insert count, meaningful veteran ink, rookie heat, and the kind of headliners (LeBron/Wemby) that put oxygen in every break room. If they nail QC and keep the parallels readable, this yearly flagship could become a pillar again.