In the vivid tapestry of sports card collecting, few things can cause a stir quite like the release of a fresh Topps Chrome set, and the 2024-25 edition has certainly done that, setting the community abuzz and shifting sales into overdrive, much like a Steph Curry heat-check that nears the basket’s rim in the final moments of a game.
Even before it had a chance to gather dust on store shelves—or exist long enough to see coveted mentions in collectors’ tales of glory—the set called to its fans like a siren’s song. People across the country, box cutters in hand, pounced on hobby boxes with the enthusiasm of jump-ball frenzy. The secondary market hasn’t just responded; it’s lighted up like a jumbotron, numbers on the rise as transactions leave the auction block with escalating vigor.
First on the docket—and justifiably so—are the “Let’s Go” super short print (SSP) inserts. A kaleidoscopic homage to the ’90s, these cards don’t simply whisper of yesteryear; in their vibrance, they shout it. And the secondary market is reporting for duty. A Steph Curry rendition no sooner went under the hammer than it closed for a neat $200 on eBay. Not long after, a LeBron James version found its way into a new collector’s treasure trove for around $130. Even youngster Victor Wembanyama is part of the high-stakes picture—his “Let’s Go” offering sashayed its way to a $120 sale. This is serious business for a set that hasn’t yet basked in the glory of its second weekend.
For those with an eye on ink—and who doesn’t have an interest in a bit of penned magic?—the autograph lineup here is proving to be something of a show-stopper. LeBron James autographs are like unicorn sightings: rare and drawing whispers across chatroom threads as if they’d slipped from a fantasy knot. So far, just two have made any kind of postmodern leap from sale to acquisition, listed at $2,500 with best offers coaxing out keen takers. Meanwhile, Wembanyama’s golden signature, a lustrous 1-of-10, has carved a place in one collection for nearly $800. The rookies are claiming their space too, with Bronny James Jr.’s autograph fetching $145, and Alexandre Sarr’s penmanship sealing deals at $110. It’s a tantalizing mix of youthful potential and legitimate pursuit.
Moving from ink to metal, we dim the lights on Superfractors—a collector’s coup and the grail upon which many a display spotlight gleams. The 1-of-1, Trae Young Superfractor, has made an early appearance, fetching $172 at auction—a steal in the wild terrain of valuation, for such treasures often only skyrocket in worth as last weekend’s soccer-moment fades into tomorrow’s key acquisition chase.
In terms of accessibility, for those intrigued by the chase yet wary of the wallet’s tender underbelly—fret not. Hobby boxes still offer an approachably priced entry point, ranging from $150 to $200 depending on the venue of purchase. Such pricing invites a spectrum of collectors, from the occasional weekend card explorer to the steely-eyed aficionado with a quest for closing a colorful collection.
It’s clear: Topps Chrome Basketball isn’t merely a contender in the realm of recent releases; it stands as a star, drawing the eye and pulling the collector into motion. With its vivid inserts, coveted autograph options, and the enticing gleam of yet-to-be-pulled Superfractors, this set is the season’s early contender for MVP in the hearts of many a collector. It’s high time to enter the thrill, where every pack opened could cradle a glittering legend or an emerging diamond just waiting to take its place in the annals of collecting lore. The court is live, the chase is hot, and 2024-25 Topps Chrome is willing to play ball and then some.
