NFL and Topps Renew Exclusive Trading Card Deal

The new multi-year partnership will bring Topps-branded NFL cards back to the market for the first time since 2016.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp planes of navy, gold, and crimson red colliding to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The renewed Topps-NFL partnership aims to reinvigorate the trading card hobby with innovative, premium designs that capture the dynamic energy of professional football.Today in Pittsburgh

The NFL and NFL Players Association have announced a new exclusive multi-year deal with Fanatics Collectibles' Topps brand to design and develop official NFL trading cards. The partnership will give Topps the rights to use official team logos, names, marks, helmet designs, uniforms, and NFL branding for their cards and packaging. To support the alliance, Topps and the NFL will activate a multi-faceted interactive celebration of the trading card hobby around the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Why it matters

This deal marks the return of the iconic Topps brand to the NFL trading card market after a 10-year absence, signaling a renewed focus on growing the collectibles category. The partnership aims to energize the trading card hobby by leveraging Topps' expertise and innovation to reach fans and collectors worldwide with exclusive offerings and experiences.

The details

As part of the multi-year agreement, Topps will design and develop its first licensed NFL trading cards since 2016. The first set under the new deal will be the 2025 Topps Chrome Football collection, featuring one-of-one rookie autograph cards and cards with game-worn gold shields from 2024 NFL award winners. The collection will showcase players from all 32 NFL teams as well as select NFL legends.

  • The 2025 Topps Chrome Football collection is scheduled for release on April 15, 2026.
  • The interactive trading card celebration will take place during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, culminating in a Collector Celebration Day on April 25.

The players

Casey Collins

NFL senior vice president of consumer products.

Matt Curtin

President of Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFLPA.

Mike Mahan

CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, the parent company of Topps.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Casey Collins, NFL senior vice president of consumer products

“The value starts with the players, and the continued growth of the trading card market creates real opportunities tied to their performance and popularity.”

— Matt Curtin, President of Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFLPA

“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.”

— Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles

What’s next

The interactive trading card celebration at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will provide fans and collectors with opportunities to learn about the hobby, get free packs, and watch live pack openings.

The takeaway

This exclusive partnership between the NFL, NFLPA, and Fanatics Collectibles' Topps brand signals a strategic effort to revitalize the trading card industry by leveraging Topps' expertise and innovation to deliver unique offerings and experiences for fans and collectors worldwide.