Fanatics Secures NFL Trading Card License: First Set Details and PREM1ERE Cards
Topps returns to licensed NFL cards with the release of 2025 Topps Chrome Football. The set arrives April 15, with pre-orders opening Friday.
This launch follows Fanatics Collectibles’ long-term NFL license. The move marks Topps’ first official NFL product in more than a decade.
High-value inserts and chase pieces
The product will include one-of-one PREM1ERE Cards featuring rookie patch autographs. Members of the 2025 draft class wore the PREM1ERE patch in their first regular-season appearances.
Chrome will also contain one-of-one NFL Honors gold shield patch autographs. Those cards feature the 2024 award winners and rare game-worn patches.
- Josh Allen — NFL MVP
- Saquon Barkley — Offensive Player of the Year
- Patrick Surtain II — Defensive Player of the Year
- Jayden Daniels — Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Jared Verse — Defensive Rookie of the Year
Rookies and autograph availability
The set offers the first NFL-licensed autographed rookie cards for several 2025 players. Notable names include Jaxson Dart, Cam Ward, and TreVeyon Henderson.
Some rookies signed exclusive deals with Fanatics. Those agreements prevented previous participation in Panini-licensed products.
- Tyler Shough — previously signed in Panini products
- Cam Skattebo — previously signed in Panini products
- 2023 and 2024 draft standouts now licensed: Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, C.J. Stroud
Context on the license and industry implications
Fanatics secured exclusive NFL and NFLPA trading-card rights in 2021. The company later acquired Topps.
Panini had produced NFL licensed cards since 2009 and held exclusivity from 2016. The transition prompted legal disputes between the companies.
Topps printed non-licensed football cards in 2024 and early 2025. Those sets used player imagery but not league or team marks.
Fanatics also gained the NBA trading-card license. Topps resumed NBA-licensed production in October 2025.
Filmogaz.com coverage noted the launch under the banner Fanatics Secures NFL Trading Card License: First Set Details. Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan called the product a major chrome release.
League perspective and strategic goals
Casey Collins, the NFL senior vice president for consumer products and licensing, endorsed the partnership. He cited modernization and reaching younger fans.
Collins brings decades of licensing experience from Lucasfilm, WWE and Hasbro. The league expects the new release to broaden the hobby’s audience.
Draft activation and fan events
The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will highlight Topps’ return. Events run each draft day starting April 23.
Activities include a dedicated learning space, free packs, live pack openings, and fan activations. Collector Celebration Day is set for April 25.
The on-field April 25 event at Acrisure Stadium will feature special guests and athletes. Organizers describe it as a re-introduction to football card collecting.
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor availability, pricing, and distribution. Collectors should expect high demand for the new Chrome release.
