• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Fanatics Dives Into Ultra-Niche With G League Trading Cards

  • The card set is 100 players with a few top draft prospects in it, such as Ron Holland.
  • Demand for the product is unclear.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Fanatics is taking over another sector of the trading card market. Or maybe it’s inventing one.

The sports merchandise and licensing giant announced Wednesday that it’s launching Topps G League Basketball, a trading card set of 100 cards including autographs and short prints that will retail for $39.99 a box with four packs per box and eight cards per pack. 

Fanatics, which bought Topps in 2022, is set to take over the NBA licensing agreement in 2025. The G League trading card deal is separate. 

While not much is known about who will be in the set, the collection has raised some eyebrows around the G League. Traditionally, G League teams have a thin history of trading cards. Teams occasionally gave away sets as a promotion and the G League Ignite have had their own set as well. 

Panini previously released a 180-card set for the 2021–22 season, which was in October and had players on their opening-night teams. Topps’s release is just the second mainstream release behind Panini’s previous set. Given the G League’s lack of trading card history, the results may not be immediate for Fanatics. 

Another complicating factor is the league’s inherent volatility. Players frequently leave teams due to NBA call-ups or more lucrative deals overseas, in addition to the typical injury attrition. One former G League executive told Front Office Sports they estimate no more than three to five players from their opening-night roster make it through the entire G League season. A quick glance at the set list shows a mix of NBA veterans who played last season in the G League such as Trey Burke and Kenneth Faried, and G League players who received brief NBA playing time such as two-way player Pete Nance, the younger brother of Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. Two-time NBA Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung also has a card in the set. 

Should Topps release a second set the following season, it’s possible it could release a trading card of Bronny James, who is expected to spend time in the G League next season as a developmental draft prospect. A Bronny James Topps card could drop right before the company takes over the NBA license should the release dates stay the same. 

The set appears to feature members of the soon-to-be defunct Ignite, which could have two top-10 picks in the NBA draft: Ron Holland and Matas Buzelis. Similar to name, image, and likeness trading cards, it remains to be seen how the demand of the player’s G League cards rivals their NBA rookie cards. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Brian Flores

Brian Flores Says NFL Arbitrator Is Stalling in Discrimination Case

A new filing says the arbitrator has done nothing for a year.

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Sep 13, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) carries the football against South Florida Bulls cornerback Ben Knox (1) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.

NCAA Eliminates Spring Transfer Portal Window

The change is aimed at curbing the system of “unrestricted free agency.”
The South Milwaukee Planet Fitness at 2901 S. Chicago Ave. will relocate to Oak Creek in summer.

‘People Want to Go to the Gym’: Why Fitness M&A Is Surging..

The fitness and gym industry has had strong deal activity in the first half of the year.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
September 16, 2025

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.