When you think of NFL trading cards, you will probably also think about Panini America.
The brand has had a dominant position as the official licensee for producing NFL cards, featuring sets such as Prizm, Donruss, Select, Mosaic, and the National Treasures series. Catering to a broad spectrum of collectors, from casual fans to serious investors, there is going to be a change in the upcoming NFL trading cards scene.
Another trading card giant, Topps, will be taking the reins in the near future, so learn more about the switchover here.
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Topps Takes Over NFL Trading Cards
The NFL trading cards landscape is going through major changes starting in 2026. Panini’s exclusive agreement to produce NFL cards is concluding on March 31st, 2026, and Topps will take over the official NFL license starting on April 1st, 2026.
The transition is just a piece of the bigger shifts in licensing agreements within the sports card industry, namely spurred on by Fanatics securing a 20-year exclusive license with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to produce NFL-branded trading cards, starting in 2026.
The deal was first reported in 2021, and effectively ended Panini’s exclusive rights with the NFLPA and ushering in a reshuffling of market players in the playing card industry.
The Transition
Even though Panini’s exclusive license with the NFLPA was terminated in 2023, the company was permitted to continue NFL cards during the 2023 season to fulfill contractual responsibilities. This was also spurred on by the NFLPA’s emergency appeal to halt Panini’s production being denied, so collectors got to reap the benefits of Panini’s product lines during the transitional window.
Now, Fanatics is poised to expand its presence in the NFL, starting with the NFLPA license, collaborating with Topps, which has scheduled to release officially licensed NFL trading cards starting in March or April 2026.
Until then, Topps has been releasing unlicensed football cards to build momentum before its official NFL entry.
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Rivalry Between Panini and Topps
The rivalry between Panini and Topps speaks volumes about the increasingly dynamic sports card market.
As Panini’s tenure as the NFL’s exclusive card producer comes to a close, Topps is getting ready to leverage its brand and re-enter the NFL card scene in a big way, something it hasn’t done officially since 2015.
The 2024 release of Topps Composite, featuring NFL stars and 2023 rookie cards, marked its first steps to returning to the industry, exciting collectors, and marking its new territory.
Industry experts have cautious optimism about the rush of Fanatics and Topps into the NFL trading cards industry, hoping that the impressive market respects the history cherished by collectors. The current presence of multiple high-profile players could help drive the market and variety in card designs, parallels, and memorabilia inclusions.
A Shifting Market
For collectors navigating this new market, experts recommend focusing on understanding the different card types and targeting specific interests, whether that is rookie cards, parallels, inserts, or memorabilia cards such as the National Treasure Rookie Patch Autos (RPAs).
Balancing affordability and strategic investments is crucial in the trading cards market, and if used right, can offer a path to building a rewarding collection amidst changing licenses and new products.
In conclusion, while Panini currently commands NFL trading cards, 2025 and 2026 will be represented as a transitional period full of opportunities.
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With Topps getting ready to take over the NFL license and Fanatics establishing itself, collectors and investors should prepare for an evolving landscape that promises fresh designs and innovation in the industry.
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