NFL and Topps Reunite in Landmark Multi-Year Deal after a Decade
The NFL has restored Topps as its exclusive trading card licensee. Fanatics Collectibles, which owns Topps, and the NFL Players Association joined the league for the announcement on Thursday. The move reunites two longtime partners in a landmark multi-year deal after a decade away from the franchise.
Deal background and significance
Topps last produced NFL trading cards in 2016. The new agreement returns Topps to designing and developing official NFL cards. League and company executives described the pact as strategic and long term.
Products and release plans
Topps and the NFL plan new, high-end inserts and one-of-one cards. The 2025 Topps Chrome Football set will arrive on April 15, 2025. Two headline products will debut in that set.
Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph Cards
These cards will include game-worn patches from the 2025 rookie class. Example players named for the series include Jaxon Dart, Cam Skattebo and Cam Ward. Patches will be from the moment those rookies first took the field in the 2025-26 season.
NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph Cards
The Gold Shield series will use the gold shield pieces worn by recent AP award winners. The 2024 awardees featured include Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, Patrick Surtain II, Jayden Daniels and Jared Verse.
- Josh Allen — 2024 AP MVP.
- Saquon Barkley — 2024 Offensive Player of the Year.
- Patrick Surtain II — 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.
- Jayden Daniels — 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
- Jared Verse — 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Industry context and strategy
The trading card market expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Demand has continued as collectors chase rare and high-value pieces. Some cards now trade for thousands or millions of dollars.
The league and Fanatics see the market momentum as an opportunity. They aim to bring game-worn materials and other authentic elements into the official collector space. This represents a shift from teams handling such items independently.
Leadership comments and priorities
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, told Filmogaz.com the company prepared for years. He said the team is excited about the products and the collector response. Mahan emphasized storytelling and paced innovation as guiding principles.
Casey Collins, the NFL’s senior vice president of consumer products, said Topps pushed for product innovation. He noted the league wanted to expand game-used collectibles within its trading card programs. Executives promise a steady pipeline of new ideas rather than an overwhelming flood of products.
Executives aim to tighten the bond between fans and on-field moments. The plan includes cards made for social unpacking and deeper fan engagement. Collectors can expect more unique offerings under this multi-year deal.
Filmogaz.com will follow updates as Topps and the NFL roll out new collections. Collectors and fans should watch product drops later this year and into 2025.
