Topps and the NBA Trading Card Market
With Topps firmly at the helm of the NBA trading card market, fans are grappling with both price changes and fresh opportunities. Their recent pricing for series like Topps Chrome has sparked mixed feelings, especially with the entry of a buyback initiative that has generated considerable buzz among collectors.
Buyback Initiative Details
Under this scheme, Topps is offering players store credit for eligible 2025-26 Topps Chrome cards linked to the league’s MVP. The structured payout for fans is enticing:
- $20 for base cards
- $40 for refractors
- $100 for numbered cards over 100
Such incentives have fans questioning who might snag the coveted MVP title this season.
MVP Frontrunners
The frontrunners are well-known figures in basketball: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Victor Wembanyama.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who clinched the MVP title last year, is once again making waves with his impressive stats, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 47-15 record and averaging almost 32 points per game.
Meanwhile, Jokić is showcasing his skills with a remarkable triple-double statistic, although his team is currently in fifth place in the West. Wembanyama, a standout rookie, is putting up industry-leading block numbers and has helped elevate the Spurs to second in the conference ranking.
Potential Profitability of Player Cards
Given the current odds, which of these candidates stands the best chance to lift the Michael Jordan Trophy? For avid collectors, here’s the potential profitability based on today’s eBay listings for each player’s cards:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s cards: Base $10 could translate into an additional $10 post-buyback; Refractor valued at $21 may yield a $19 boost; rare numbered cards above 100 are currently at $54, with a projected increase of $46, making $175 cards offer an extra $25.
- Nikola Jokić’s collection: Base cards priced at $5 might see a jump of $15; refractor cards sitting at $10 could gain $30; numbered cards above 100 are $55, with a projected $45 increase; higher-end cards may leap to $135 after buyback.
- Victor Wembanyama’s pieces: The base starting at $1 may see an increase of $19, refractors at $7 could net $33, while more exclusive cards will also show notable increases.
Dark Horse Candidate: Cade Cunningham
Now, let’s turn to a potential dark horse in the MVP race: Cade Cunningham, the Detroit Pistons guard. After an abysmal 14-game season just two years prior, the Pistons now find themselves first in the East at 45-14. Cunningham stands as a central figure in this remarkable transformation, averaging nearly 26 points and 10 assists, making him a serious contender with +800 odds.
His unique edge could stem from the new MVP eligibility rule requiring players to feature in at least 65 games—Cunningham, missing only six games this season, poses a structural advantage when compared to leaders like Jokić and Wembanyama, who are precariously close to disqualification.
The potential for injury among top contenders leaves Cunningham in a prime position to capitalize.
Investing in Topps Chrome Cards
Contemplating investing in his Topps Chrome cards could prove wise as current card values show promising potential returns:
- Base cards are around $5 and could net an extra $15
- Refractors priced at $7 might bring $33
- More exclusive numbered cards are at $35, with projections for significant increases
Conclusion
As the regular season approaches its climax, the competition for the MVP trophy is heating up and will likely lead to one of the most unpredictable playoff series in recent memory. While enthusiasts follow the race among the league’s elite on the court, collectors might find it the perfect opportunity to invest in basketball’s emerging stars. For those looking to expand their basketball card collection, Mantel offers insights on acquiring rookies and building an enviable card roster that stands out in both gameplay and trading.
