2025

Michael Amos and his wife were not embarking on a treasure hunt when they casually wandered into a Meijer store in Ohio. Following a cheerful family outing to a neighboring amusement park, the couple took an almost arbitrary stroll through the store’s aisles. Little did they know, the universe had plans far beyond groceries or garden supplies; in fact, it was poised to grant them a spontaneous, yet unforgettable, encounter with fortune and joy.

Their curiosity piqued by nostalgia and perhaps some leftover childlike wonder from their day at the park, the pair found themselves perusing the trading card section. Encouraged by shared smiles and perhaps the idle musings of childhood, they decided to purchase a mystery power box. This was not just any whimsically-decorated box, mind you, but an enigmatic vessel filled with the traditional delights of trading card collectors everywhere: chance, suspense, and the latent promise of discovery.

The box itself, unassuming in appearance, held within its nondescript cardboard confines the narrative of serendipity about to unfold. Armed with anticipation and likely a hint of skepticism, Michael carefully unwrapped the first pack of cards labeled “2023 Bowman,” his fingers brushing against history and the metallic crinkling of foil. It was amid this seemingly everyday act that Michael unearthed a genuine artifact of both modern sport and sporting lore: a one-of-a-kind, 1-of-1 paper foil rookie card featuring none other than Elly De La Cruz.

For those uninitiated into the echelons of baseball card collecting, finding a 1-of-1 card is akin, in the words of seasoned aficionados, to discovering an uncharted corner of El Dorado or stumbling upon the proverbial needle in a haystack. Such a card is singular in existence, sought after not only for its rarity but for the mythos it instills in its bearer. And here, standing in an Ohio store, Michael was in possession of such a talisman: a rookie card born from the same paper dreams as all others but christened by the sporting gods themselves as unique.

Yet this card offered more than just rarity. Elly De La Cruz, the card’s star, is a burgeoning talent taking the baseball diamond by storm, swinging with bravado for the Cincinnati Reds—a team that nests within the very heart of Ohio. For Michael, this discovery was not merely a matter of statistical rarity but also one of profound local pride. It knitted together the threads of sport, community, and fate into a tapestry Michael and his wife could joyfully behold.

Amid the flurry of excitement, one might wonder about the card’s value. Given its uniqueness and featuring a player tiptoeing toward stardom, it surely carries monetary worth—though Michael remains uncertain of its precise figure. Potential buyers and appraisers would undoubtedly salivate at the prospect of owning such a gem of cardboard and ink.

But the true narrative extends beyond mere dollars and cents. This card, comfortably nestled in Michael’s collection, represents a serendipitous intersection of life choices; a reminder to all involved of the whimsical potential housed within life’s seemingly mundane choices. It embodies the narrative potential of a causal halt at the right aisle at the right time.

Through this ordeal, there lies a simple yet profound message embraced by all who find themselves captivated by the world of collectibles: sometimes, the most extraordinary moments are born from the ordinary. A gentle walk down a store aisle, an unplanned purchase inspired by nostalgia, morphs into a story of excitement, community pride, and the inexplicable magic nestled within spontaneity’s blossom.

As the striking colors of Elly De La Cruz’s figure radiated from its newfound paper home, Michael cradled the card, its value immeasurable in personal joy and narrative thrill. Herein lies the intrinsic beauty of collecting: a convergence of history, wonder, and human connection bound by a single artifact. Amidst the whirlwind of a day’s events, the importance of this singular card, both in its rarity and its irreplaceable place within Michael’s story, undeniably shines as brightly as the athlete gracing its surface.

Elly De La Cruz 1/1

The universe has a quirky sense of humor, especially when it comes to rewarding life’s little indulgences. For Michael Amos and his wife, what started as a whimsical stop at a Meijer store in Ohio metamorphosed into a collector’s fairytale that neither could have scripted better.

Fresh off the buzz and adrenaline of a family trip to an amusement park, the couple decided on a casual shopping detour. They innocuously meandered through the aisles, perhaps chasing after that perfect post-adventure snack or a forgotten essential on the list. Instead, they stumbled upon an adventure of the most dazzling kind in the most unassuming of places—the trading card section.

Deciding on a mystery power box, probably with that delightful sense of randomness and curiosity we all enjoy, Michael and his wife had little inkling of the revelation awaiting them. Wrapped inside those layers of mystery packaging was not just a card, but an artifact tingling with rarity and excitement—a 1-of-1 paper foil rookie card of Elly De La Cruz.

Now, dear reader, let’s take a moment to appreciate the cosmic alignment at play here. Elly De La Cruz isn’t just any rookie. As a luminous spark on the Cincinnati Reds’ roster, he’s a living testament to budding baseball talent. That his likeness, captured on this card, was unearthed in a part of the world where Reds fans carry pride like a second skin, is serendipitous itself.

Holding this unique card must have been like clutching lightning in a bottle for Michael. It was a relic not just bound by its material worth—which, let me assure you, is significant in its singularity—but by its local and personal resonance. The 1-of-1 designation means that no other card quite like this exists, placing it on an apex of desirability for collectors, both casual and fervent.

Michael hasn’t yet ventured down the path of appraising this extraordinary piece of cardboard wealth. And really, can the emotional thrill be quantified? The true value of such moments resides not in their market price, but within the heart, where stories too remarkable for simple exchange flourish like myths of old.

This unexpected treasure hunt serves as a colorful reminder, illustrating that life’s tapestry is woven through seemingly mundane threads. Those choices we make on a whim—to veer off our planned path, to explore the unexplored aisles for no particular reason—are the wells from which the most delightful surprises spring forth.

For Michael and his wife, the joy wasn’t merely in the astonishing card itself, but in the narrative of its discovery. It’s every collector’s cherished dream to stumble upon a rare find, but the magic is accentuated by the journey—the rarity of the object paired with the rarity of such a moment.

Baseball cards have long occupied a sentimental niche in American culture, capturing the dreams of fans young and old who yearn to hold their heroes in miniature form. They latch onto a sense of nostalgia, youth’s innocence pressed between colorful, glossy paper.

And so this tale of happenstance cultivates a renewed fondness in all of us for those unexpected decisions that lead to incredible discoveries. It rekindles the notion that in the realm of collecting and beyond, the treasure lies not just in the prize, but equally in the search.

There’s something whimsically poetic about such discoveries—how they unfurl in the everyday, how they transform the ordinary into extraordinary. And while we can’t all stumble into a Meijer and leave with a 1-of-1 treasure, we can certainly savor the sweetness of chance encounters, where the seemingly insignificant turns, quite marvelously, epic.

Elly De La Cruz 1/1

In the ever-evolving world of collectibles, 2025 marks a pivotal moment as Pokémon cards ascend to the apex of popularity, surpassing traditional sports cards in both fascination and figures. Thanks to GemRate’s recent revelations, it’s clear that the Pokémon behemoth has well and truly stepped out from the shadow of its sporty counterparts, seizing an indomitable grip on the card-grading cosmos.

The data paints a vivid picture: among PSA’s top 100 most-graded cards, a staggering 97 are associated with the Pokémon franchise. It’s more than a simple trend; it’s practically a Pokémon takeover. Still, the question remains: what precisely has fueled this meteoric rise?

More than just children’s playthings, trading card games (TCGs) and non-sports collectibles have surged to command 59% of all graded submissions across major authentication firms during the first half of the year. Their collective power manifested in an impressive tally of 7.2 million card submissions between January and June—a whopping 70% increase from the previous year. Sporting cards, on the other hand, seem like they’re limping along, with only 5.1 million submissions, reflecting a humbling 9% decline within the same period.

The Japanese Iono’s Wattrel Battle Partners Promo No. 232 currently holds the title for the most-graded single card this year, with a phenomenal 45,600 copies processed. However, the iconic Pikachu reigns supreme as the indisputable mascot of Pokémon’s triumphant expansion. Pikachu proudly populates grading companies’ lists with over 345,000 graded examples in 2025 alone. Among these, the “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat” card—born from an imaginative partnership with the Van Gogh Museum—has managed to emerge from the crowd with nearly 84,000 graded copies, becoming the most-submitted Pokémon card ever at PSA. Despite its ubiquity, a pristine PSA 10 grade of this card still demands upwards of $900, proving that rarity isn’t the only driver of value in the Pokémon universe.

Setting sights on sport cards, they scarcely make a blip in the top submissions arena. Only three managed to squeak into PSA’s top 100 listings: two cards featuring Jayden Daniels from the 2024 Panini Prizm and Donruss series, and a single card celebrating Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie of the Year accolade from the 2024 Panini Instant series—each facing submission numbers between 8,800 and 10,500.

June’s grading statistics solidified the ongoing torrential Pokémon wave. TCG and non-sports card submissions composed a dominant 63% of the total, with PSA grading an astounding 911,000 cards just in that category and outpacing the cumulative sports card total of 743,000 across the four leading grading entities.

Companies are riding the crest of this wave—take CGC Cards, for instance. Their output has neared last year’s entire production with 2.18 million cards graded so far, more than 1.8 million of which were TCG or non-sports in nature. Even as CGC thrives, industry giant Beckett suffered a slowdown, currently trailing in fourth place among the top graders. Out of the 366,000 cards they have processed, a significant portion—approximately 214,000—were tied to Pokémon or other TCG affiliation.

PSA’s explosive success narrative is also intertwined with a strategic partnership with GameStop. This collaboration, which blossomed in October, has impressively amassed over 1 million grading submissions. Such partnerships have partially fueled the ongoing boom and further concreted Pokémon’s stronghold over the industry.

On the retail battleground, Pokémon’s seismic popularity continues to upend expectations. Shelves devoid of stock, queues that curl whole city blocks, and stringent per-customer purchase limitations underscore the fevered frenzy surrounding the franchise. As new releases disappear faster than they arrive, fervor for Pokémon cards continues to soar unfettered—indicating that Pokémon’s dominance in the collector’s sphere shows no sign of a cooldown.

As 2025 progresses, the Pokémon phenomenon raises compelling questions about the future landscape of collecting. Can sports cards re-adapt and reclaim their status, or has Pokémon reshaped the playing field indefinitely? Pondering these questions may well become the new pastime of industry insiders and enthusiasts alike, as Pokémon’s narrative keeps expanding within the realms of both nostalgia and new-age fascination.

Pokemon Cards Dominate Grading

In the vibrant realm of collectible cards, the year 2025 marks a significant shift, as Pokémon cards catapult themselves to the forefront, overtaking sports cards by a mile. According to the latest data from GemRate, Pokémon isn’t just making waves—it’s riding a tsunami. Once a humble trading card game, Pokémon now commands 97 out of the top 100 spots for the most-graded cards at PSA, one of the biggest third-party grading companies in the business. This marks a jaw-dropping pivot, as TCG (Trading Card Games) and other non-sport cards comprise a staggering 59% of all submissions to the four major grading authenticators for the first half of the year.

For Pokémon enthusiasts, these numbers translate into 7.2 million TCG and non-sports cards being graded between January and June. This figure represents a 70% increase year-over-year, a clear indicator that Pokémon isn’t just catching new fans; it’s capturing the hearts of a diverse collector base. Meanwhile, sports card submissions, historically the preferred collectible, lagged far behind with 5.1 million submissions—a 9% decline from the previous year.

Among the crowd favorite cards for 2025, the Japanese Iono’s Wattrel Battle Partners Promo No. 232 stands at the pinnacle, with over 45,600 copies submitted for grading. Yet Pikachu, the beloved yellow mascot, continues to be the charm of the franchise. In fact, Pikachu-related cards involved over 345,000 submissions this year alone, a clear testament to its enduring appeal.

Of particular note is the “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat,” born from a creative collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum. This particular card has become somewhat iconic, with nearly 84,000 graded copies in circulation, though PSA 10 examples are fetching more than $900 despite the volume. This phenomenon speaks volumes about the mixture of scarcity, cultural footprint, and nostalgia that fuels the Pokémon card frenzy.

Meanwhile, sports cards struggled to make a significant impact, finding representation with just three cards in PSA’s top 100. The 2024 Panini Prizm Jayden Daniels rookie card and a similar edition from Donruss collected between 8,800 and 10,500 submissions, a far cry from the numbers Pokémon is pulling. These statistics weave a narrative of not just popularity but the shifting sands of collector trends.

In June alone, TCG and non-sport cards were 63% of total submissions across all grading companies, with PSA flexing its muscles by grading a whopping 911,000 cards in this category. Such figures left the combined sports card income of 743,000 in the dust, clearly delineating where collector interest lies.

CGC Cards, traditionally a staple in the card grading world, has seized the opportunity provided by Pokémon’s popularity. With 2.18 million cards graded so far in 2025, the company is on track to eclipse its numbers from 2024 entirely. Notably, about 1.8 million of these graded cards were TCG or non-sport, clearly illustrating the swing in consumer interest.

As CGC rides the Pokémon wave, Beckett, another titan in the grading space, appears to be on a downward trajectory. Beckett has handled only 366,000 cards in 2025, well below its rivals, of which 214,000 are TCG or Pokémon-related. This minor showing has seen Beckett slip to fourth place among its peers, highlighting a competitive space where adaptation is key.

PSA’s current boom can partly be credited to its strategic alignment with GameStop. Since this collaboration took off last October, over 1 million grading submissions have poured in, further propelling the Pokémon juggernaut.

On the retail front, Pokémon’s dominance is palpable. Shelves are frequently emptied as new releases hit the market, with retailers resorting to limits per customer to manage the overflowing demand. Pokémon’s allure shows no signs of waning, as fans of all ages continue to chase these cards with eagerness reminiscent of Ash Ketchum seeking to “catch ’em all.”

The collectibility of Pokémon cards and their newfound leading status in the grading space underline a broader cultural shift. What started as a niche hobby has burgeoned into a mainstream obsession, marrying nostalgia with modern-day hype, making the Pokémon trading card game a cultural and economic phenomenon of 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon master or a newcomer lured in by the frenzy, the sheer scope and mania of the Pokémon card world will undoubtedly continue to enchant and captivate, resonating with an ever-growing audience worldwide.

Pokemon Cards Dominate Grading

In the dynamic world of sports card collecting, enthusiasts are discovering a fresh alternative that edges out the adrenaline-fueled thrill of ripping wax packs. Enter the realm of sports card repacks, the latest buzz among collectors who are eager to strike a balance between excitement and value. Unlike traditional wax boxes which parallel lottery tickets in their precarious uncertainty, repacks present a more calculated and rewarding gamble for seasoned and novice collectors alike.

Ripping open a sealed box can be an exhilarating experience. The anticipation, the sound of the packaging yielding, the rush of potential treasures waiting inside—all coalesce into a moment that every collector relishes. But, much like a great crescendo that leads to an awkwardly flat note, that excitement can quickly dissolve into disappointment. After all, how many collectors have experienced the disheartening moment of unveiling a slew of lackluster base rookies and one uninspiring autograph?

Sports card repacks, conversely, remove much of this gamble from the equation. Instead of leaving fortune to the fateful whims of rookie checklists and print runs, repacks deliver a promise of value. These thoughtfully curated packages offer predictability alongside their thrills, oftentimes including real chase cards that enhance the likelihood of striking a collectible jackpot with every purchase.

Take Galaxy Rip Packs, for instance. They’re not just shuffling remnants together for some expedited sales. These products are meticulously assembled to provide collectibles with real equity and intrinsic value. Behind many glossy cases lie treasures—cards valued over $20,000—and this isn’t mere marketing mumbo jumbo. Collectors have found themselves pulling cards of legendary athletes such as Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Tom Brady, offering tangible proof of the hidden potential within these neat bundles.

It’s the art of curation that separates repacks from the traditional babble of sports cards. Tapping into the insider knowledge and the keen eyes of hobby veterans, repacks push past the uncertainty of unproven rookies and speculative duds. They invite buyers into an arena where known heroes, graded gems, rare inserts, and hobby legends await. This sense of control is a compelling draw, putting a leash on randomness and embracing the consistency that collectors covet.

Each box offers a floor-to-ceiling equity unlike the erratic spectrum of modern wax offerings. Sure, not every repack yields the golden grail, but they come designed with a plan—a more balanced experience that donates value even when the heavens don’t part to reveal that top-end chase card. Walk away from a repack, and you’re still likely to hold onto meaningful pieces for personal collections or hefty cards perfect for trades.

These days, repacks illuminate a coveted path for avid collectors seeking the extraordinary. Imagine the prospect of drawing the high-grade rookie cards of sports’ greatest, presented through a tantalizing sequence of repack magic. PSA-graded Michael Jordan rookies, pristine Brady and Kobe autos—these cornerstones occasionally suffused within repacks paint a stark, dazzling contrast to the predictable layouts of modern hobby boxes. Galaxy Rip Packs, carving a reputation as the repack gold standard, regularly bestows collectors with the fortune of vintage masterpieces and contemporary marvels alike.

So, what makes this rip a cut above? The chase remains intact, with the gleaming surprise of big-hit potential, yet the chaos inherent in standard wax products is replaced with a comforting assurance of value. For avid collectors mindful of the bottom line, repacks represent an enticing option, reducing financial risk while maintaining the hobby’s inherent thrill. As wax prices ascend and interest in cluttered checklists wanes, repacks elegantly slide in to command a following hungry for both excitement and economic efficacy.

Beyond the confines of freshly minted cards, what collectors are offered through repacks is far more substantial—a genuine chance at uncovering real hidden gems. In today’s hobby landscape where packaging’s weight is often more physical than metaphorical, sports card repacks redefine value with shrewd precision. And truly, in an age where every collector dreams of unearthing that rare, transformative piece, isn’t that what collecting is meant to be about?

Galaxy Rip Packs

In the exciting yet often unpredictable realm of sports card collecting, enthusiasts continue to chase that pot of gold at the end of a cardboard rainbow, hoping for rare hits hidden inside sealed packs. Notably, the hype can sometimes feel more like pie in the sky, with the heart-pounding anticipation often followed by underwhelming reality. Yet, amid the chaos and unpredictability of ripping open wax packs—an experience akin to purchasing a lotto ticket with comparable odds—a fascinating alternative has emerged from the shadows to capture the attention of collectors: sports card repacks.

The allure of tearing into a traditional hobby box lies in its mystery—the chance, however slim, to uncover a rare gem that validates the risk and expense of the hunt. But more often than not, heartbreak ensues as hopeful collectors sift through stacks of base cards and the odd luckless autograph, wondering where it all went wrong. Here steps in the hero of our tale—repacks. These curated collections have strutted onto the scene, dethroning the box of surprises with an irresistible promise of higher value, less risk, and an intelligent approach to collecting.

Repacks, unlike their unpredictable cousins in shrink-wrapped boxes, have more in common with an expertly curated wine selection, chosen by those who know their Zinfandel from their Merlot. With a keen understanding of the market, seasoned hobbyists curate these products, focusing on delivering not just excitement but tangible equity. Imagine opening a pack with the knowledge that you might glimpse cards worth over $20,000—no pipe dream but a possibility, as seen with standout repacks like Galaxy Rip Packs. Picture yourself unwrapping a rookie card of Michael Jordan or a pristine auto of Tom Brady; these are not just collector’s fantasies anymore.

One of the genuine game-changers with repack products is the control they afford. Unlike the lottery-esque gamble of sealed wax, where the fabled “Rookie of the Year” might turn pedestrian, repacks shuttle you into a world where known entities reign supreme. It’s the stars you’re hunting—be it graded legends, rare inserts, or revered hobby icons—making for a more stable and secure collectible investment. Unlike traditional boxes where one big hit outshines all else, most repacks are crafted to offer a balanced and rewarding experience across the spectrum. Even those moments where the top-tier chases elude you, repacks still leave you with treasures worthy of your personal collection or valuable for trade.

The appeal doesn’t end with balance; it rockets to a crescendo with the promise of rare, high-grade rookies from all-time greats. The GOATs, if you will. Whether it’s a PSA-graded Jordan or a flawless Kobe signature, these are the cards that dreams are made of. Galaxy Rip Packs, among others, have solidified their reputation by delivering these holy grails, weaving them into the strands of repack products not just sparingly but with a generosity that standard wax can’t match.

This brings us to the burning question on collectors’ minds: Are repacks the smarter way to rip? If you’re still walking the tightrope of balancing thrill-seeking with fiscal responsibility, repacks make an enticing case. They offer not only the pulsing excitement of the hunt but also a favorable shot at massive upsides, all while reigning in the volatility associated with sealed products. As wax prices stretch toward the sky and card checklists multiply like rabbits, repacks shine brightly, carving out a cozy niche that expertly blends exhilaration with efficiency.

Collectors might miss that fresh-off-the-press scent, but in exchange, you receive something far more valuable—a genuine opportunity at substantial returns. In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern card collecting, where the bold often get burned and dreams are made or dashed with every rip, repacks provide a harmonizing melody balancing thrill and pragmatism. It’s a tune worth listening to—one that, in today’s market, is indeed worth its weight in gold-plated cardboard.

Galaxy Rip Packs

In the world of professional sports, every so often, a new sensation emerges, electrifying fans, shaking up franchises, and sending collectors into a frenzied dash for memorabilia that promises both nostalgia and value. Cooper Flagg, the latest prodigy to make waves, has officially stepped onto the grand stage as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Dallas Mavericks, fresh from a series of bold moves, have set their hopes on Flagg, a name that’s been on everybody’s lips and is now immortalized in the card-collecting universe through Topps NOW.

The Mavericks’ roster saw a seismic shift when they parted ways with Luka Doncic, a move that shocked many and set tongues wagging. When the franchise decided to hit the reset button, some called it risky, others saw it as a calculated move to embrace a promising new era. And indeed, reset they have—with Cooper Flagg now tipped to be the torchbearer for this rejuvenated team. Flagg’s entry into the Mavericks’ fold is akin to a breath of fresh air, and the excitement doesn’t end there. For memorabilia enthusiasts, this marks the debut of Flagg in the professional collector’s realm, further igniting a passion that had been simmering ever since whispers of his elite potential first began.

Topps NOW, always on the lookout for moments that define sports history, has seized this opportunity to celebrate Flagg’s foray into the NBA. With an exclusive release, they introduce his first professional card, a moment captured forever in cardstock, set to appeal to those who keep their ear to the ground for the next big phenomenon. Topps’ on-demand, print-to-order system ensures that each card is not just a mere memento but a scarce artifact, curated for those who value limited-edition treasures.

Let’s unravel the excitement packed in this release. At the pinnacle of the offering is a unique 1/1 autographed card, which is not just signed but inscribed with “1st Overall Pick,” marking it as an irreplaceable piece of sports history. For those with a penchant for exclusivity, this offers a smorgasbord of collecting delight. The autographs are available through redemption and come tiered for different levels of rarity – /25, /10, /5, and culminating in the elusive 1-of-1. Nested within the /10 tier, a couple of extraordinarily special cards come with the inscription “My First Pro Auto,” a nod to Flagg’s commencement into the professional arena and a gem for long-term investors and collectors.

For everyone with dreams of capturing lightning in a bottle, Flagg’s iconic base card is laced with lucrative foil parallels in numbered variations – /99, /75, /50, /25, /10, /5, leading to the Holy Grail, the 1/1 FoilFractor. These parallels are a scintillating addition, casting an almost mystical allure that invites seasoned and novice collectors alike to try their luck and strategy in securing a piece of history.

Even before the draft-day drama, Flagg was a familiar and revered name among card enthusiasts. His previous forays into the hobby world through Bowman cards and Topps Basketball McDonald’s All American issues were already regarded as hot properties, showcasing a young man’s trajectory towards the dizzying heights of NBA success. Earlier this year, Flagg solidified his alliance with powerhouse Fanatics and Topps, securing an exclusive deal that places him front and center in the evolution of modern sports cards.

This Topps NOW release isn’t just a continuation of a narrative but a robust new chapter that adds dimension to Flagg’s rookie year lore. With the Mavericks placing their future hopes on his broad shoulders, and collectors championing his cards, the synergy between sports and memorabilia couldn’t be better showcased.

Time is of the essence, as this rookie card is available for a fleeting window until June 29 at precisely 8:10 PM EST. Each card doesn’t just represent an athlete’s introduction to professional sports but stands as a symbol of anticipation, potential, and market speculation. As the hoopla around Flagg gains momentum, his collectibles tether to one of the most discussed narratives in the draft class of 2025.

For those embarking on collecting endeavors or eyeing an investment that might bear fruit or sentiment down the line, Flagg’s card is your golden ticket. The winds of the hype train are blowing strong and fast—don’t let this opportunity to partake of a budding legend’s journey pass by.

Cooper Flagg First NBA Rookie Card

In a tale that reads like a modern-day epic—filled with twists, trades, and triumphant moments—the Dallas Mavericks usher in a new era by welcoming phenom Cooper Flagg as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. It’s a narrative as compelling on the card-collecting front as it is on the courts, with Flagg taking his inaugural bow in the professional sports card realm, thanks to a timely release from Topps NOW.

In an audacious maneuver earlier in the season, Dallas parted ways with their star player Luka Doncic, leaving many to question the strategic genius or madness behind their decision. Fast forward to the draft, and the Mavericks appear to have pulled off an unlikely coup, securing Cooper Flagg—a player long touted as a figure capable of redefining a franchise’s trajectory.

Celebrating this watershed moment, Topps NOW, ever-vigilant in capturing historic sports happenings, unveiled its latest collectible offering with a card marking Flagg’s first leap into the professional league. Marked by its characteristic print-to-order approach, this card doesn’t just illustrate a player in his new Mavericks attire; it incarnates a pivotal juncture for both basketball enthusiasts and collecting aficionados.

The Mavericks’ draft decision is a shining beacon, promising potential championships with Flagg at the helm. In doing so, they’ve also sparked a flurry of excitement among card collectors, aligning this momentous rookie selection with the coveted Topps NOW release. True to its usual charm, the card is available for a limited time only before it vanishes into the annals of collector folklore.

Nestled at the heart of this release is an extremely rare 1/1 autographed card, inscribed dutifully with “1st Overall Pick,” and embodying the allure of exclusivity that is often the draw for collectors worldwide. Moreover, Flagg’s autograph can be found via redemptions in varied tiers, numbered crisply to /25, /10, /5, and capped off with another elusive 1-of-1 piece. Adding a sprinkle of delightful rarity, two of the /10 autos bear the handwritten note “My First Pro Auto,” a subtle nod appealing to the nostalgia-tinged collector inclined towards long-term value investments.

Speaking to the seasoned collectors’ heartstrings, Topps NOW has also teased a chase for foil parallels of Flagg’s base card. These parallels, reflective of the versatility within the hobby, bear intriguing number variations: /99, /75, /50, /25, /10, /5, and a celebrated 1/1 FoilFractor—each layer of scarcity carefully calibrated to heighten the collectibility stakes.

Cooper Flagg’s star was already burning brightly in the card community, well before donning a Mavericks jersey. His previous Bowman issues and Topps Basketball McDonald’s All American cards were greeted with widespread enthusiasm, fetching keen interest and, inevitably, escalating prices. Earlier in the year, Flagg signed an exclusive agreement with Topps and Fanatics, cementing his role as a marquee symbol of the card industry’s next generation.

This exiting chapter with the Topps NOW release officially marks Flagg’s entrance into professional collecting realms. Whether fans are adding the piece to their personal collections (known colloquially as PCs) or betting on its future market valuation, the card signifies the commencement of Flagg’s NBA journey, captured in the elegant medium of card stock.

Collectors hungrily eye this debut offering, available only until June 29th at precisely 8:10 PM EST. It stands poised to become the crowning jewel of the 2025 draft class collectibles. It’s an opportune moment that, given its ephemeral nature and the ever-humming engine of hype, is best seized immediately.

Flagg’s card is more than just memorabilia; it’s part of a grander narrative—a chapter in basketball’s ongoing chronicle—with the ink of innovation and nostalgia coalescing under the Topps NOW aegis. The card’s significance will be best understood by future aficionados résumés, making it a prized emblem of both Flagg’s debut and the Mavs’ new era. So, whether you’re a collector, a basketball devotee, or just someone intrigued by the interplay of sports and art in card form, this release is one to watch meticulously.

Cooper Flagg First NBA Rookie Card

Step into the high-octane world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with the latest installment from Topps: the 2025 Chrome UFC set. Building on the previous year’s success, this edition brings an electrifying array of collectible cards that capture the fierce spirit of the Octagon. Boasting vibrant parallels, shimmering refractors, and a plethora of inserts, this set invites card enthusiasts to experience the sport’s adrenaline from the comfort of their collection rooms.

At its core, the base set is a robust portrayal of the UFC landscape, offering a meticulously curated 200-card checklist that spans both men’s and women’s divisions. It’s a smorgasbord of martial arts mastery, skillfully depicted in a rainbow of 34 refractor parallels. This year, Topps has upped the ante with this colorful pursuit, spreading exclusives across different box types, ensuring every unboxing brings a burst of dazzling delight.

True to tradition, the autograph section of the 2025 Topps Chrome UFC continues to be a major draw for collectors. Hobby boxes, a staple for serious collectors, play their cards with guaranteed hits—two autographs plucked from a suite of six captivating sets. Each set tells a different story, from the energetic Chrome Rookies (1 in every 11 packs) to the esteemed Octagon Legends (landing only once in 347 packs). The holy grail, though, may well be the Mark of a Champion signatures, elusive little beasts that appear every 792 packs, reserved for the most persistent of collectors.

Each signature line is further elevated by numbered refractor parallels, ranging from the demure Green (/99) to the blockbuster Black (/10) and impossibly rare Superfractors (1/1). Chrome Rookies and Veterans add an extra layer of chase excitement with their traditional refractors (/199) and, in the case of rookies, special Blue Refractors (/150). A select few sets feature the unique artistry of Geometric Refractors, adding dimension and dynamic flair to each collection.

Not to be outdone, the insert sets for 2025 Topps Chrome UFC are an intriguing labyrinth of collectible challenges. The variety is immense, with hobby boxes frequently offering inserts like Tale of the Tape or the nostalgia-inducing 1955 Topps, among others. These frequent finds come in multiple parallels, allowing for a customized and rich collecting experience. For those craving a more difficult chase, inserts such as Big Ticket and Fists of Fury provide a steeper climb, with parallel exclusives that include Superfractors (1/1), raising the stakes for serious collectors.

The zenith of the challenge lies with the ultra-rare inserts—Bezerker, Radiating Rookies, Helix, and Let’s Go—which entice enthusiasts through their sheer scarcity, each a rare gem without parallels. These inserts are the crown jewels in a set that doesn’t hold back on grandeur or visual spectacle.

Collectors with eyes on value and mega boxes won’t be disappointed, as these include exclusive sets like Allen & Ginter and Dare to be Great. Each set manifests its character in colorful refractor parallels, and the elusive Titans insert provides an additional layer of allure as a tough-to-find case hit.

For those keeping a meticulous scorecard, the set details flesh out the framework: Hobby and Mega boxes each contain packs that provide a rich array of cards, while value blasters serve up a more snackable, yet equally thrilling, option. With 200 cards comprising the total set, and release set for June 27, 2025, anticipation is bubbling over for collectors worldwide.

As collectors deliberate on the best strategy for acquiring the standout cards—be it through chasing rare refractors, honing in on rookie cards, or reverent signatures of legendary fighters—the 2025 Topps Chrome UFC presents a veritable treasure trove of potential. It’s a collection that doesn’t just reflect the intensity and honor of the UFC but embodies it, one stunning card at a time, making each beat around the Octagon another reason to cheer.

2025 Topps Chrome UFC

Picture yourself amidst the electrifying atmosphere of a UFC fight night, adrenaline coursing through the crowd as fists fly and fighters emerge victorious. The 2025 Topps Chrome UFC card collection seeks to encapsulate this thrilling energy within layers of glossy refractors, vibrant parallels, and captivating autographs. This year’s offering, the second consecutive installment, promises collectors a memorable dive back into the world of mixed martial arts, all while offering delightful surprises for seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

To begin with, the base set, the backbone of this grand release, is a meaty 200-card checklist that provides a comprehensive nod to the vastness of the UFC roster. Encompassing both the men’s and women’s divisions, these cards include a dizzying array of 34 refractor parallels. And while some refractor types are exclusive to certain box styles, the prospectors out there can be assured they’ll have a kaleidoscope of staggeringly beautiful cards waiting to be unearthed in any box they choose to open.

Autographs remain the shimmering jewels in this glitzy collection’s tiara. With every Hobby box guaranteeing two autographs, drawn from a variety of intriguing sets, the hunt is truly heart-pounding. Delve into the Chrome Rookies, seasoned Chrome Veterans, and immerse yourself within the UFC Signatures. For those dreaming of future UFC glory, the Future Stars series holds promise. Nostalgia flows through the Octagon Legends, while the Mark of a Champion speaks to the heart of any combat sports aficionado. Each autographed card is steeped in intensity with their numbered refractor counterparts, spanning from alluring Greens (/99) and luxurious Golds (/50) to the rarefied world of Black (/10) and Red (/5). Not to forget, the immensely covetable Superfractors that stand alone (1/1).

And be prepared to raise your collector’s sights to the enticing insert sets, nearly two dozen strong in this ambitious edition. Hobbyists bask in the predictable yet always thrilling Tale of the Tape, the nostalgic charm of 1955 Topps, the precision of Mission Control, the identity parade of AKA, and the custom-tailored Tailor Made inserts. Each section is a treasure trove with its own parallel options, from standard Refractors to the dreamlike 1/1 Superfractors.

But the saga doesn’t end with the common inserts, oh no. It steps into the thrilling territories of Big Ticket, Fists of Fury, and Representing, each an ode to the adrenals of fight night posters, only now on collectible cardboard. Then, journey to Kings and Queens and navigate through a Split Decision, finally hitting a Youthquake where the promise of youthful vigor thrives. Exclusive Superfractors flutter in these collections save for the elusive Kings and Queens.

Yet, the journey isn’t complete without then encroaching on the rarest inserts. Bezerker, Radiating Rookies, Helix, and Let’s Go stand as pinnacle representations of card collecting rarity. Here, the absence of parallels ensures these cards remain uncontested jewels in the collector narrative.

For the value hunters, both value and mega boxes tease with special insert sets. Embrace the diverse allure of Allen & Ginter, get Fired Up, reach the Top of the Class, navigate the multi-faceted Plexus, or accept the Dare to be Great challenge. These sets offer a riot of refractor parallels, topped off by the covert case hit of Titans insert.

Now, let’s sharpen our pencils for some quick set details. As each pack opens, collectors salivate at the prospect of eight cards per Hobby and Mega packs, four in a Value Blaster. Every Hobby box proudly unfurls 12 packs; Mega boxes unveil six, and the Value Blasters showcase six as well. For those bursting with zest for more, cases provide 12 Hobby, 20 Mega, and a hefty 40 Value Blaster boxes.

All roads lead to June 27, 2025, the official release date, when this banquet of visual mastery finally shuffles into collector domains. Hobby Box openers can anticipate clutching two autographs, complemented by four numbered base parallels alongside a bounty of 20 total base parallels.

Whether you’re scouring for ultra-rare refractors, spotting the future of the UFC in standout rookies or cherishing the iconic action shot autographs of the most beloved fighters, the 2025 Topps Chrome UFC set is ready to stand and deliver. It holds a promise of thrill, a kaleidoscope of colors—each card a journey toward glory encapsulated in a portable, collectible form. Fortify your sleeves and binders, the Octagon awaits blissful contenders.

2025 Topps Chrome UFC