NBA Rookie Cooper Flagg to Appear at Indy Card Exchange

Flagg will attend Topps Rip Night event, but won't sign autographs or take photos

Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:51pm

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Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, will be making an appearance at the Indy Card Exchange in Indianapolis on Saturday evening for a Topps Rip Night event. The store owner confirmed Flagg's attendance, stating he will be participating in card-related activities but will not be signing autographs or taking pictures with fans.

Why it matters

As a highly touted NBA rookie, Flagg's appearance at the local card shop is expected to draw a large crowd of collectors and fans eager to interact with the young basketball star. The event highlights the continued popularity of sports card collecting and the draw of top players in the industry.

The details

The Topps Rip Night event at Indy Card Exchange will run from 3 to 4:30 p.m., with Flagg arriving at 4:30 p.m. During the initial time slot, attendees will be able to participate in contests and raffles, as well as meet Purdue basketball player Braden Smith. Once Flagg arrives, those attending the Rip Night event will be asked to leave to make space for Flagg's appearance.

  • The Topps Rip Night event will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Flagg is scheduled to arrive at the Indy Card Exchange at 4:30 p.m. on February 21, 2026.

The players

Cooper Flagg

The top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg is a highly touted rookie basketball player who will be making an appearance at the Indy Card Exchange.

Indy Card Exchange

A local sports card shop in Indianapolis that is hosting the Topps Rip Night event featuring Cooper Flagg.

Braden Smith

A Purdue basketball player who will be meeting with fans during the initial Topps Rip Night event before Flagg's arrival.

Andy Albert

The owner of the Indy Card Exchange who confirmed Flagg's attendance and details of the event.

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What they’re saying

“Cooper Flagg will be making an appearance and doing card-related activities. He will not be signing autographs or taking pictures.”

— Andy Albert, Owner, Indy Card Exchange (Facebook)

What’s next

The Indy Card Exchange has stated that there will be two separate lines for the event - one to meet Cooper Flagg, and another for the Topps Rip Night activities. Fans will need to choose which line they want to be in, as Flagg's appearance will be separate from the rest of the Rip Night events.

The takeaway

Cooper Flagg's appearance at the local Indy Card Exchange highlights the continued popularity of sports card collecting, especially among NBA fans eager to interact with top draft picks. The event showcases how sports stars can drive foot traffic and excitement at specialty retail stores, providing unique experiences for collectors and fans.