Trending Now - NFL and Topps Reunite With New Multi-year Trading Card Deal

WHO:

CNN - The NFL, Topps, Fanatics Collectibles, NFL Players Association, Mike Mahan (CEO of Fanatics Collectibles), Casey Collins (NFL’s senior vice president of consumer products).

WHAT:

CNN - The NFL and Topps have entered into a multi-year agreement, making Topps the exclusive trading card licensee for the NFL.

CNN - The 2025 Topps Chrome Football set will launch on April 15th, 2026.

CNN - The new Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph Cards and NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph Cards will debut with the 2025 Topps Chrome Football set.

CNN - The PREM1ERE series will feature patches worn by the 2025 rookie class, including players like Jaxon Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Cam Ward.

CNN - The NFL Honors Gold Shield series will include gold shields worn in games by 2024 AP award winners such as MVP Josh Allen, Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, and Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse.

WHERE:

CNN - The partnership involves the NFL and Topps, which are based in the United States.

WHEN:

CNN - The agreement marks the first time since 2016 that Topps will be designing and developing trading cards for the NFL.

CNN - The 2025 Topps Chrome Football set will be released on April 15th, 2026.

WHY:

CNN - The renewed partnership aims to capitalize on the trading card boom that began during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

CNN - The NFL seeks to innovate in the trading card space by incorporating game-worn merchandise and game-used items into their products.

HOW:

CNN - The NFL and Topps plan to enhance the connection between fans and the game through innovative trading card products.

CNN - Fanatics Collectibles and Topps are focusing on storytelling to engage collectors and fans with the game.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 15:20 UTC)

The NFL has announced a multi-year agreement with Topps, making them the exclusive trading card licensee for the league, marking the first collaboration since 2016. The 2025 Topps Chrome Football set is set to launch April 15th, featuring new Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph Cards and NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph Cards, which will showcase patches worn by the 2025 rookie class and gold shields from 2024 AP award winners. This renewed partnership aims to tap into the trading card boom that emerged during the Covid-19 lockdowns, enhancing fan engagement through innovative products that incorporate game-worn merchandise.