Topps NFL cards are back: What to know about the new Fanatics deal
New Topps cards will feature NFL Rookie PREM1ERE Patches and NFL Honors Gold Shield relics. The first products will be available starting April 15.
Fanatics Collectibles, the NFL, and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have announced the highly anticipated return of Topps as the exclusive official trading card brand for both the league and its players. This marks the first time since 2016 that Topps will design and produce officially licensed NFL football cards.
Topps announced its return to the NFL as the league’s exclusive trading card licensee. Upcoming cards will feature Rookie PREM1ERE patches worn in players’ first games — as well as NFL Gold Shield patches honoring 2024 AP award winners.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2026
Everything to know about the new NFL Topps trading card partnership
As part of the multi-year agreement, the NFL and NFLPA are granting Fanatics Collectibles full rights to use official team logos, player names, trademarks, helmet designs, uniforms, and league branding across trading cards and packaging. With the NFL continuing to expand globally, the deal also includes worldwide distribution.
The first release under this partnership will be 2025 Topps Chrome Football, launching April 15 (with pre-orders opening April 3 on Topps.com). Two of the set’s most innovative features include one-of-one autographed Topps Rookie PREM1ERE Patch cards and one-of-one NFL Honors Gold Shield autograph cards.
The Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph cards feature patches worn by players during their first-ever NFL regular-season game. The set includes members of the 2025 rookie class such as Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Cam Ward, and TreVeyon Henderson. These patches were worn on the upper right chest of the jersey and include the word “PREM1ERE” along with the player’s rookie season stitched into the design.
Meanwhile, the NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph cards include game-used Gold Shield patches worn by winners of the 2024 AP Awards, located near the collar of the jersey. Featured players in this collection include Josh Allen (MVP), Saquon Barkley (Offensive Player of the Year), Patrick Surtain II (Defensive Player of the Year), Jayden Daniels (Offensive Rookie of the Year), and Jared Verse (Defensive Rookie of the Year).
“This agreement brings together the NFL, our players, and an industry-leading collectibles platform to deliver the best possible experience for fans while growing the trading card hobby,” said Casey Collins, the NFL’s Executive Vice President of Consumer Products. “We’re thrilled to welcome Topps back as our exclusive trading card partner. With their expertise and innovation, we’ll reach fans and collectors around the world with unique products and experiences.”
“The value starts with the players, and the continued growth of the trading card market creates real opportunities tied to their performance and popularity,” said Matt Curtin, President of NFL Players Inc. “This agreement with Fanatics, negotiated by our group licensing partner OneTeam, ensures players are represented in that growth.”
“Together with the league and the players association, we’re excited to build a program that honors the sport’s legacy while introducing new levels of innovation, storytelling, and premium design,” said Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles. “We look forward to bringing our passion for football to life through incredible products.”
The 2025 Topps Chrome Football collection will feature players from all 32 NFL teams, along with a selection of league legends. It will also include exclusive Fanatics Collectibles athletes such as Jayden Daniels, Tom Brady, Drake Maye, CJ Stroud, Bo Nix, and Jerry Rice, among others.
To celebrate the partnership, Topps and the NFL will host an interactive fan experience in Pittsburgh during the 2026 NFL Draft. Each day will feature a dedicated space where fans can learn about trading cards, receive free packs, watch live pack openings, and more. The celebration will culminate with Collector Celebration Day on Saturday, April 25, held on the field at Acrisure Stadium with special guests and player appearances.
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