The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set has caused a stir in the collecting community with its long-awaited comeback. This iconic brand has a rich history dating back to the rookie seasons of basketball legends Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. Its revival in 2023 brings a mix of current stars, promising rookies, and NBA legends, all showcased in a collection licensed by the NBA Players Association.
Although this release isn’t officially licensed by the NBA due to Panini’s exclusive rights, it manages to capture the essence of the sport with its high-quality cards. While players are pictured without full team logos and uniforms, the set retains the allure and standard that Topps Chrome is renowned for.
One of the standout features of the 2023-24 set is the multitude of nearly 30 different Refractor variations available. These colorful and visually striking cards are a highlight for collectors, with unique versions like Geometric Refractors in breaker boxes and basketball background parallels in retail packs.
Autographs play a significant role in this collection, with offerings such as Topps Chrome Autographs, Certified Rookie Autographs, and retail-exclusive Certified Autographs. Notably, exclusive on-card autographs from Victor Wembanyama, the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, are featured in this set. Wembanyama’s deal with Fanatics has made his autographed cards sought after, especially since he does not have autographs in Panini’s products this year.
LeBron James also makes a notable appearance, marking only his second autograph inclusion since signing with Fanatics. His presence adds to the allure of the set, particularly following his dual autograph appearance with son Bronny James in the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball collection. Furthermore, collectors can find autographs from NBA legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal, adding a touch of nostalgia and prestige to the assortment.
The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set boasts a range of vibrant inserts in each hobby pack, including Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake. These inserts feature bold colors and captivating designs that enhance the visual appeal of the cards. Additionally, the set includes Short Print (SSP) inserts like Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars, with the latter paying homage to a classic Topps insert from the 1990s.
With each hobby pack containing 8 cards, and each hobby box holding 12 packs, collectors can anticipate two autographs per box, alongside various inserts and Refractors. Set for release on August 28, 2024, the collection comprises 190 cards, with Victor Wembanyama prominently featured as card #1 in the base set.
The market’s response to the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set has been overwhelmingly positive, as pre-sales for boxes and cases have swiftly sold out. Leveraging Victor Wembanyama’s rising popularity, Topps aims to revive the Chrome Basketball brand even without official NBA logos, making it a sought-after collection for enthusiasts. As Topps looks forward to regaining the full NBA license in 2025, the 2023-24 set marks an important milestone in reclaiming its position in the basketball card market, leaving collectors eagerly anticipating future releases.
