In the ever-spinning world of sports collectibles, it seems collectors have found their latest muse: the 2024-25 Topps Chrome Basketball cards. Like a perfectly executed slam dunk that leaves the crowd gasping, these cards have burst onto the scene, capturing the imagination—and the wallets—of collectors everywhere. Forget about hoop dreams; this is all about card dreams, and the Topps Chrome set is dunking all over expectations.
Within merely a week of releasing these basketball beauties, hobbyists have taken to card shops and online marketplaces with the enthusiasm of fans storming the court after their team’s championship win. The air is electric with whispers of spectacular pulls and unexpected finds. Hot on everyone’s lips are the “Let’s Go” SSPs, or Super Short Prints, which pay vibrant, nostalgic tribute to the pop art aesthetics of the ‘90s. They’re vibrant and reminiscent of a time where the colorful showmanship of the game met an art movement of its own. More than just eye candy, these inserts are becoming the crown jewels of many collections, commanding serious cash in the process.
Take, for example, the Steph Curry insert. Snagging one of these ornamental gems out of a pack is akin to hitting a game-winning shot; it’s an experience, a thrill, and sometimes, a financial boon. Listed quick as a flash and snapped up for $200 on eBay, the Curry card set the pace. But let us not forget the king himself! A LeBron James version collected a tidy sum of $130. Not too shabby for a weekend’s hobby. And our favorite towering sensation, Wembanyama—Wemby to those in the know—his insert card has already fetched a cool $120. Not bad at all for a set that’s only dipping its toes into the market pool.
For those whose preferences lean towards signatures over shine, Topps Chrome did not neglect you either. The autograph lineup in this collection certainly brings its A-game. LeBron James autographs are the diamonds of the set: rare and brilliant. Only two have crossed the digital shelves, listed at a staggering $2,500. Bird’s hot wings, Christie’s Internationale, these autos are cooking! Then there’s Victor Wembanyama’s golden signature, rendered in that prized /10 format—a collector’s dream, which brought in nearly $800 at its closing.
And for the rookie aficionados, fear not, for Bronny James Jr. and Alexandre Sarr are here to make waves. These up-and-coming players are attracting a growing crowd of followers with their signatures. Bronny’s autograph netted $145, not surprising given the lineage and story behind his rise, while Alexandre Sarr’s also commanded a solid $110, pointing to a healthy appetite for future stars.
But let’s talk about the real head-turners: the Superfractors. These dazzling, unique cards shine like the afternoon sun over a basketball court, showcasing unparalleled rarity and detail that sends collectors into a tizzy. Of the impressive 1-of-1 Superfractors, few have emerged, but when Trae Young’s hit the auction block, it went for $172. Considering the rarity, this is a shimmering sign of potential for those lucky, and savvy, enough to capture one.
Hobby boxes have yet to sulk into unaffordability, remaining at an amiable $150 to $200, making it accessible for both those dipping their toes into the collectible waters and seasoned collectors alike. It’s not every day you get a shot at uncovering hidden treasures without breaking the bank. This accessibility, combined with the multitude of inserters and parallels just waiting to be uncovered, presents a set ripe for both investment and enjoyment.
So, what’s the overarching sentiment about this sizzling new entry to the collectible court? Delight and a touch of mania. Just like a perfectly executed alley-oop or a buzzer-beater three-pointer, Topps Chrome Basketball has captured the attention of many—to rave reviews. Whether it’s the colorful nostalgia of the inserts, the promise held in the gleam of autographs, or the chase for that elusive Superfractor, the early winners of this season’s card collections seem to have been crowned. Seasoned and new collectors are diving in with no time to waste, chasing that next big find with the fervor of fans in the fourth quarter of a tied game. The excitement, like those age-old chants of “Let’s go!” reverberating through the stadium, continues to build, promising plenty more action to come.
