Fanatics Collectibles, NFL and NFLPA Announce Multi-Year Licensing Deal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Topps Returns as Exclusive Trading Card Partner with Innovative New Releases
NEW YORK — April 2, 2026 — Fanatics Collectibles, the National Football League and the National Football League Players Association have announced a multi-year licensing agreement that marks the return of Topps as the exclusive trading card partner for both the league and its players.
The agreement grants Fanatics Collectibles full rights to utilize official NFL team branding, including logos, names, helmet designs and uniforms, across trading cards and packaging. The partnership also includes global distribution, aligning with the NFL’s continued international growth.
The first product under the renewed partnership, 2025 Topps Chrome Football, will be released April 15, with pre-orders opening April 3 on Topps.com. The launch marks Topps’ first officially licensed NFL trading card release since 2016.
Innovative Card Features Highlight Launch
The debut set introduces two groundbreaking, one-of-one collectible card concepts:
Topps Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph Cards — Featuring patches worn by players during their first official NFL regular-season game. The cards spotlight members of the 2025 rookie class, including Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Cam Ward and TreVeyon Henderson.
NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph Cards — Showcasing game-worn Gold Shield patches from 2024 AP award winners, including 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 partnership brings together the league, our players and a best-in-class collectibles platform to better serve fans and grow the trading card hobby,” said Casey Collins, NFL senior vice president of consumer products. “We’re excited to welcome Topps back and deliver innovative, one-of-a-kind products to collectors worldwide.”
Matt Curtin, president of NFL Players Inc., emphasized the value for players: “The continued growth of the trading card market creates meaningful opportunities tied to player performance and popularity. This agreement ensures players share in that success.”
Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, added: “We’re excited to build a program that honors the legacy of the game while introducing new levels of innovation, storytelling and premium design.”
Expanded Set and Collector Experience
The 2025 Topps Chrome Football collection will feature players from all 32 NFL teams, along with select legends such as Tom Brady and Jerry Rice. Additional featured athletes include Drake Maye, C.J. Stroud and Bo Nix.
To celebrate the partnership, Topps and the NFL will host an interactive fan activation during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The experience will include:
Free trading card packs for fans
Live pack-opening events
Educational sessions on collecting
Interactive exhibits dedicated to the hobby
The celebration will culminate with Collector Celebration Day on Saturday, April 25, held on the field at Acrisure Stadium, featuring special guest appearances and exclusive fan experiences.
Availability
The first official products from the partnership will be available beginning April 15 through Fanatics Live, NFLShop.com and select retail and hobby shop locations.
For more information on the release and upcoming activations, visit Topps.com or NFLShop.com.