Fanatics-Owned Topps Becomes NFL's Exclusive Trading Card Licensee

After a decade out of the NFL, Topps is back in the game.

Topps will once again become the NFL's exclusive trading card licensee, Fanatics Collectibles, the NFL and the NFL Players Association announced Thursday. Topps, which is now owned by Fanatics, last produced fully licensed NFL cards in 2016.

To help commemorate its return to the NFL, Topps will produce one-of-one-numbered Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph cards and NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph cards. The Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph cards will feature a patch from jerseys worn by rookies in the 2025 season. New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward and New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson are among the 2025 rookies who'll have trading cards that are a part of the Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph cards.

The NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph cards will feature game-worn gold shield patches from the jerseys of the winners of the 2024 major individual awards. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels are among the players in that group.

NFL stars who have signed exclusive deals with Fanatics will also have trading cards featured as part of the release. That list includes lead NFL on FOX analyst Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and more. 

The first release as part of the agreement will be the 2025 Topps Chrome Football, which will be available to purchase on April 15. However, pre-ordering will open on Friday.

"This partnership between the NFL and Fanatics Collectibles brings together the league, our players and a best-in-class collectibles platform to better serve fans and grow the trading card hobby," NFL SVP of consumer products Casey Collins said in a release. "We’re excited to welcome Topps back as our exclusive trading card partner, and by leveraging their expertise and innovation, we will reach fans and collectors around the world with one-of-a-kind offerings and experiences."

The "Rookie PREM1ERE" patch on Jaxson Dart's jersey will be featured on one of his Topps trading cards. (Image via Topps/Fanatics)

"In partnership with the league and the players association, we are excited to build a program that honors the legacy of the game while introducing never-before-seen levels of innovation, storytelling and premium design," Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan added. "We look forward to bringing our passion for football to life through our incredible products."

Panini previously held the NFL's exclusive trading card license, taking over in 2016. Topps and Fanatics, meanwhile, are now the exclusive trading card licensee for three of the largest professional sports leagues in America. The group became the NBA's trading card licensee in October, four years after it agreed to a deal to become the MLB's trading card licensee in 2021.