If you’re already tired of hearing about licensing issues in the hobby…brace yourself, it’s not going away anytime soon! But hey, that’s because it’s the biggest story in sports cards right now—and has been for the past year.
With Fanatics taking over NBA licensing in October, and NFL licensing in 2026, we’re staring down a massive shift in the hobby. And honestly, it’s kind of exciting! Major shake-ups like this don’t come around often, and they might completely change the way collectors like us see (and collect) cards down the road.
Here are six things I think we’ll see as the dust settles during this Panini-to-Fanatics transition—everything from the comeback of licensed autos to the possible nostalgia boom for Panini products down the line. Let’s get into it!
1. Licensed Autos Make a Comeback 🌟
One of the most frustrating things for collectors recently has been the lack of licensed autographs from massive players. Think Wemby, CJ Stroud, Caleb Williams, or Bo Nix. Seeing these big names without the proper licensing has been a bummer, to say the least.
The good news? Once Fanatics fully takes over, this issue should disappear. Licensed autos for these players—and more—will finally be back in play. Just imagine pulling a Wemby auto with a Spurs logo front-and-center. What a time to be alive.
Collectors, it’s time to get hyped.
2. Sticker Auto Overload from Panini
Here’s a wildcard prediction for you…
With Panini losing the NBA license this October and the NFL license in January 2026, they might try to clear out their inventory of sticker autos. I mean, think about it—they’ve likely got tens of thousands of stickers sitting around. Why not release them all while they can?
That could mean we see massive floods of autos from less-than-stellar players (no offense, benchwarmers) or even retired names from previous sets. It could be a last-ditch effort to squeeze every drop out of their inventory before the licensing doors slam shut.
Would it hurt the value of Panini autos long-term? Maybe. But I’d be lying if I said I’m not curious to see what happens here.
3. Panini Nostalgia Could Be Real
Speaking of Panini—do you think we’ll look back on their final years of licensed products with some nostalgia?
Here’s why I ask…
First-year releases like 2012 Prizm are holy grails in the hobby. People value that “this-is-where-it-all-started” factor. Is it crazy to think that last-year Panini products might hit the same way at some point?
Sure, it might take 5 or 10 years to see this kind of appreciation. But I wouldn’t be surprised if collectors start chasing 2025 NFL Prizm or 2024-25 NBA Select as “end-of-an-era” products down the line. Food for thought.
And while we’re here—there was a time when people thought Fanatics might buy Panini just to keep brands like Prizm running. With lawsuits piling up, that possibility seems slimmer every day…not gonna lie, I’m feeling some type of way about it.
4. Rushed Releases? Yep, Probably
It’s no secret that companies rush release schedules when the clock’s ticking—and I wouldn’t put it past Panini to do the same before Fanatics officially takes the reins.
For instance, will they try to push out all the heavy hitters—Prizm, Select, Optic—before the October handoff for NBA licensing? Maybe even try to get one last NFL Prizm product out ahead of the 2026 deadline?
It’s definitely possible. And while Panini is far from perfect when it comes to meeting deadlines, you can bet they’ll want to cash in on one last Prizm or Optic run before calling it a day.
What do you guys think—will we see a rush of releases, or will they drag their feet to the end?
5. Topps Chrome Reimagined for the NBA and NFL
Okay, here’s where I get seriously excited.
Topps Chrome. Fully licensed. For both basketball and football. I mean, come on—how long have we waited for this?
Rumor has it Topps Chrome Cosmic might even get a spot in the rotation for these sports. If that happens, you’re not just looking at a return of a fan-favorite brand…you’re looking at completely new entries into the hobby that are built for modern collectors.
Topps is known for creative designs, deep checklists, and storytelling through their cards. Pair that with Fanatics’ push for innovation? The possibilities are endless.
Your collection is about to glow up in a big way.
6. Licensed LeBron Autos Could Change the Game 🎯
One last thing I’m beyond pumped for…LeBron James finally breaking out of his Upper Deck exclusive!
LeBron recently signed with Topps and Fanatics, meaning we’re likely going to see licensed autos of The King in NBA jerseys—potentially NEXT season. Just think about how sought-after those cards will be.
Whether you’re a die-hard LeBron fan or just a collector looking to snag something historic, this is one development you do NOT want to sleep on.
What other players are you hoping to see get this kind of spotlight?
What Do You Think?
This transition from Panini to Fanatics has been a wild ride—and it’s only getting started. From the return of licensed autos to the rebirth of Topps Chrome, there’s so much to look forward to in the hobby.
But now I want to hear from YOU.
- Are you excited about these changes?
- Do you think Panini products will hold value in the future?
- What major shifts do you see on the horizon?
