Fanatics Collectibles, NFL and NFLPA Announce Multi-Year Licensing Deal
New Topps Trading Cards Include NFL Rookie PREM1ERE Patches, NFL Honors Gold Shield Relics
First Official Product Available April 15 at Fanatics Live, NFLShop.com and Select Retail and Hobby Shop Locations
Fanatics Collectibles, the National Football League and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) today announced Topps’ exciting return as the NFL and NFLPA’s official exclusive trading card licensee, with the brand designing and developing its first licensed football cards since 2016. As part of the multi-year deal, the NFL and NFLPA will give Fanatics Collectibles the rights to use official team logos, names, marks, helmet designs and uniforms, as well as official NFL branding for cards and packaging. With the league growing internationally, this landmark partnership also includes global distribution.
The first set will be 2025 Topps Chrome Football, released on April 15 (with a pre-order on Topps.com on April 3). The two most innovative elements of the much-anticipated set: one-of-one (1/1) Topps Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph Cards and 1/1 NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph Cards.
For the Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph Cards, these patches were worn by players the first time they suited up for an official NFL regular-season game, with members from the 2025 rookie class featured, including Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Cam Ward and TreVeyon Henderson. The patch was seen in play on the player’s right breast and features the word PREM1ERE and the player’s rookie class year below that stitching.
The NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph Cards include Gold Shields worn in games by the 2024 AP award winners, found just at the base of the jersey collar. This set’s Gold Shield players are 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 between the NFL and Fanatics Collectibles 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, SVP of consumer products at the NFL. “We’re excited to welcome Topps back as our exclusive trading card partner, and by leveraging their expertise and innovation, we will reach fans and collectors around the world with one-of-a-kind offerings and experiences.”
“The value starts with the players, and the continued growth of the trading card market creates real opportunities tied to their performance and popularity,” said Matt Curtin, president of NFL Players Inc. “This partnership with Fanatics, negotiated by our group licensing partner OneTeam, helps ensure players are represented in that growth.”
“In partnership with the league and the players association, we are excited to build a program that honors the legacy of the game while introducing never-before-seen levels of innovation, storytelling and premium design,” said Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles. “We look forward to bringing our passion for football to life through our incredible products.”
In addition, the 2025 Topps Chrome Football collection will feature players from all 32 NFL teams, in addition to select NFL legends. The set will include Fanatics Collectibles exclusive athletes such as Jayden Daniels, Tom Brady, Drake Maye, CJ Stroud, Bo Nix, Jerry Rice and more. To celebrate the return of the collaboration, Topps and the NFL will activate a multi-faceted interactive celebration of the trading card hobby in Pittsburgh around the 2026 NFL Draft. Each day, there will be a dedicated space where fans can learn about the hobby, get free packs, watch live pack openings and more. This culminates with Collector Celebration Day on Saturday, April 25, taking place on the field at Acrisure Stadium and featuring special guests, athletes and more.