Introduction to Topps NBA Hoops
If you have been searching about Topps NBA Hoops, you are not alone. Across collector forums, marketplaces, and social media, one question keeps coming up. How is Topps producing NBA Hoops now when Panini made it for years?
Many collectors are asking the same things. Did Panini sell NBA Hoops to Topps? Did Topps buy the brand? Who actually owns NBA Hoops?
The answer is simpler than most people expect.
NBA Hoops has always been tied to the NBA itself, not to a specific card company. What changed is not ownership. What changed is licensing. Once you understand that difference, the entire situation becomes clear.
Who Originally Created NBA Hoops
NBA Hoops first launched in 1989 under Fleer. It quickly became one of the most popular basketball card sets because it was affordable and widely available. For many collectors, it was their entry point into the hobby.
Fleer used NBA Hoops as a flagship product, focusing on large checklists and clean designs that highlighted players across the league.
When Fleer exited the market in the early 2000s, many collectors assumed the brand would be sold to another company. That is not exactly what happened.
Instead, NBA Hoops became part of the NBA’s licensing ecosystem, controlled through NBA Properties. This is where the confusion begins for many collectors.
Does Panini Own NBA Hoops
No, Panini never owned NBA Hoops.
From 2009 through 2024, Panini held the exclusive NBA trading card license. During that time, they produced NBA Hoops along with several other product lines.
Because Panini made NBA Hoops for over a decade, many people assumed it belonged to them. In reality, Panini was operating under a license granted by the NBA.
Why the Confusion Exists
There are a few reasons collectors believe Panini owned NBA Hoops.
They produced it consistently for many years
Their branding was closely tied to the product
They introduced new designs and formats
Even with all of that, Panini did not own the brand. They only had the right to produce it while their license was active.
Did Topps Buy NBA Hoops
No, Topps did not buy NBA Hoops, and Panini did not sell it.
NBA Hoops is not a traditional product that changes ownership between companies. It is part of the NBA’s intellectual property.
The NBA controls the NBA Hoops name through NBA Properties. Companies like Panini or Topps do not purchase it. They are granted permission to use it.
This is the key point that clears up the confusion.
Why Topps NBA Hoops Exists Now
The reason Topps NBA Hoops exists in 2026 comes down to a major licensing shift.
Fanatics, which owns Topps, secured the exclusive NBA trading card license starting in 2025. When that happened, Panini’s license expired.
With the new agreement in place, Topps gained the right to produce official NBA cards, including NBA Hoops.
The transition looks like this in simple terms.
Panini NBA Hoops was produced during Panini’s license period
Topps NBA Hoops is produced under the current Fanatics and Topps license
Nothing was sold between companies. The license simply moved from one company to another.
How NBA Card Licensing Works
To understand this fully, it helps to look at how licensing works in sports cards.
The NBA owns its team logos, brand names, and associated products like NBA Hoops. These rights are managed through NBA Properties.
Card companies sign agreements that allow them to produce official products for a set period of time. These agreements are exclusive, meaning only one company can produce NBA cards at a time.
When the agreement ends, another company can take over.
Ownership vs Licensing
Ownership means full control over a brand or product
Licensing means temporary permission to use that brand
In the case of NBA Hoops, the NBA always maintains ownership.
Timeline of NBA Hoops Production
Looking at the timeline helps make everything clearer.
Fleer Era 1989 to early 2000s
Fleer created NBA Hoops and established it as a core basketball card product.
Panini Era 2009 to 2024
Panini held exclusive NBA rights and produced NBA Hoops for more than a decade.
Topps and Fanatics Era 2025 to Present
Fanatics secured the license, and Topps now produces NBA Hoops moving forward.
What This Means for Collectors in 2026
For collectors, this shift is important but not necessarily negative.
The NBA Hoops brand itself remains the same at its core. What changes is how the product is designed and distributed.
Collectors may notice new designs, updated parallels, and different packaging formats. There may also be changes in print runs and availability.
For many people, this represents a fresh version of a classic brand rather than a completely new product.
Common Misconceptions About Topps NBA Hoops
There are several myths that continue to circulate.
Panini did not sell NBA Hoops
Topps did not buy NBA Hoops
NBA Hoops is not owned by any card manufacturer
The correct understanding is simple. The NBA owns the brand and licenses it to whichever company holds the current agreement.
The Future of NBA Hoops Under Topps
Looking ahead, Topps NBA Hoops has strong potential.
Topps has the opportunity to refresh the design while still respecting the history of the product. They can introduce new inserts, improve distribution, and bring new collectors into the hobby.
Because Fanatics has a large global reach, NBA Hoops could become even more accessible worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did Panini sell NBA Hoops to Topps
No. Panini never owned NBA Hoops, so there was nothing to sell.
2. Who owns NBA Hoops
NBA Properties, which manages the NBA’s trademarks and licensing rights.
3. Why did Panini stop making NBA Hoops
Their exclusive NBA license ended after 2024.
4. How is Topps able to produce NBA Hoops now
Topps, through Fanatics, holds the current NBA trading card license.
5. Is Topps NBA Hoops different from Panini NBA Hoops
The overall concept is the same, but the design and product features may change.
6. Will Panini make NBA cards again
Only if they secure a new licensing agreement in the future.
Conclusion
The confusion around Topps NBA Hoops comes from a misunderstanding of how licensing works.
The NBA has always owned NBA Hoops. Panini did not sell it, and Topps did not buy it. The rights shifted when the NBA changed its licensing partner.
Once you understand that, everything about the transition becomes clear.
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