Can Panini Still Release NBA Products in Fall 2025?

Topps is set to regain their NBA license after a long, seemingly endless 15-year hiatus. Can’t visualize what that looks like for the average collector? The last time Topps had that license, LeBron was still building a budding legacy for himself, and skinny jeans were still in fashion. 

If Topps’ last industry conference is anything to go by, sports trading card collectors are in for a seismic shift. Let’s take a look at the biggest questions on everyone’s minds.

Can Panini Still Print Products After 9/30?

Absolutely, with a big asterisk. 

The official NBA license is set to switch over to Topps on October 1, 2025. While this gives Topps the exclusive right to make card products featuring official player and team names, it doesn’t mean Panini will stop manufacturing its iconic product lines. Topps also continued to release products after losing the license to Panini 15 years ago.

The only difference is that Panini’s products, starting from October 1, 2025, will no longer feature any league-branded elements. We’re likely going to see the brand release as many of their iconic hobby box lines before the deadline as possible. 

Beckett’s release schedule confirms as much, with Panini National Treasures dropping August 6 and Panini Prizm Deca TBA (likely by late September). 

Curious about Topps’ upcoming licensed release? Learn more about what Topps’ return to licensed basketball cards in 2025 means for collectors.

Will Panini Cards Still Hold Value?

To an extent. Some cards will hold and may even appreciate in value over time, while others might see significant drops in value on the secondary market. Let’s break that down.

• Licensed Panini Cards: Valuable licensed Panini cards released before the deadline will most likely still hold their value even after the license switches hands. Some or most of these cards might even increase in value if we consider past trends.
  
  For example, one of the last licensed Topps Chrome Stephen Curry rookie cards released in 2009 is currently worth at least $8,500. We’ll see a similar dynamic play out for Panini.

• Licensed, Unopened Hobby Boxes: Licensed and unopened basketball card boxes tend to increase in value continuously, with only a few exceptions. This is because these boxes are exceedingly hard to find as time goes on, making collectors more likely to pay higher prices.

What does that mean for you? This gives collectors an incredible chance to stock up on Panini hobby boxes, especially higher-end lineups, like National Treasures. If a rookie featured in one of these boxes goes on to become an All-Star, you could cash that box in for a huge profit later on.

For example, someone holding on to a licensed and sealed 2009-10 Topps Chrome basketball hobby box could sell it for at least $24,999 today!

• New Unlicensed Cards: Cards released after the license switches to Topps will, on average, be worth less than a new Topps release. Collectors are generally unwilling to pay higher prices for cards that don’t feature official team names and other basketball card hallmarks.  

Lock In Your Panini Hobby Boxes Today

If you’re concerned about Panini holding value as an investment, the smartest move right now would be to stock up on Panini’s last few licensed releases as they come out. They’ll be harder to get your hands on due to increased demand, but pre-ordering will help you secure your spot in line. 

There’s no better way to pre-order and save on the best upcoming sports card releases than with Giant Sports Cards. Save on every new box with our Giant Rewards Program, and get free shipping on orders over $199. Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ with the world’s favorite sports card store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Panini lose the NBA license?

Rumors of anti-competitive practices aside, the official reason for Topps gaining the license is a mutual agreement between Fanatics and the National Basketball Players Association.

Will Panini continue to make basketball cards in 2025 and 2026?

Yes, but cards released after October 1, 2025, will not feature official NBA team names and logos.

What kind of licensed basketball cards will Topps release?

While the company hasn’t announced an official release slate yet, we can expect classics like Topps Chrome to return, along with Dynasty, Cosmic Chrome, Finest, and more.