Topps, the renowned trading card company, has joined forces with the NCAA for the release of an exclusive March Madness basketball card series. The series, which has been eagerly anticipated by collectors and sports enthusiasts alike, presents packs of eight cards, priced at $139.99 each. Each pack guarantees an autograph card from a stellar lineup of players, adding an element of surprise and excitement for fans looking to expand their collections.
Among the standout athletes featured in the card series are the men’s Player of the Year, Zach Edey from Purdue, and the women’s Player of the Year, Caitlin Clark. Each pack includes the coveted autographed card, along with six base cards and one parallel card that is limited to just 99 copies or fewer. Fans have until Thursday to purchase these special packs through Topps’ official website, with the added thrill of dual autograph cards appearing in one out of every ten packs, offering collectors a rare and valuable find.
The collection spotlights a select group of 20 prominent figures in college basketball who have graciously agreed to be featured. The roster for the Bowman U NOW March Madness series includes a mix of talented male and female athletes representing various universities across the country. From Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham of Kentucky to Caitlin Clark of Iowa, the lineup showcases the diversity and talent that define collegiate basketball.
Notable dual autograph pairings in the series add an extra layer of excitement for collectors, with combinations like Clark/Edey, Clark/Reese, Reese/Van Lith, and Sheppard/Dillingham sure to capture the attention of fans and collectors alike. Each dual autograph represents a unique collaboration between two standout players, making these cards even more coveted and sought after by enthusiasts of the genre.
It is important to note that Topps’ inclusion of Caitlin Clark in the card series will come to an end on April 1, as the talented athlete has an exclusive trading card agreement with Panini America set to commence. However, this collaboration with the NCAA marks a significant milestone for Topps, allowing them to incorporate the iconic March Madness logo and branding into their products, setting the stage for potential future joint endeavors and projects that celebrate the spirit of college sports and fandom.
Throughout the basketball season, Topps has released over 120 Bowman U cards via their Topps NOW platform, with 61 cards dedicated to showcasing college basketball talents like Caitlin Clark. Clark, in particular, has been prominently featured on 13 different cards, the highest among all college athletes, underscoring her widespread popularity and impact on the sport. Furthermore, college players have been a consistent feature in the traditional Topps Bowman University line for the past two years, enhancing the overall collector experience and bringing the excitement of college sports to life through vibrant and dynamic card designs.
The collaboration between Topps and the NCAA for the March Madness basketball card series represents a fusion of two iconic entities in the world of sports memorabilia, offering fans and collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. With its stellar lineup of athletes, limited-edition cards, and promise of exciting dual autographs, this series is sure to captivate both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby, cementing its status as a must-have for any basketball enthusiast or card collector.