The hype around the 2024-25 Topps Chrome basketball checklist is kinda wild right now, but honestly, there is a lot of confusion floating around the hobby. If you’ve been scrolling through Twitter or lurking in Discord breaks, you've probably seen people arguing about whether these cards are "real" NBA cards or just high-end unlicensed shiny paper.
Here is the deal. We are in a weird transition period. Fanatics (who owns Topps) doesn't get the full, unrestricted NBA license back until later in 2025. So, the 2024-25 Topps Chrome set is this fascinating middle-ground product. You've got the biggest names—LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and the alien himself, Victor Wembanyama—but you won't see team logos on their jerseys.
Despite that, collectors are losing their minds over this set. Why? Because it's the home of the most coveted rookie autographs in the world right now.
The Rookies Everyone is Chasing
Let’s be real: if it weren't for the exclusive autograph deals, this product might have stayed under the radar. But Topps has the "Big Three" of the 2024 draft class locked down. If you want a signed card of Zaccharie Risacher, Alexandre Sarr, or Stephon Castle, you aren't finding them in Panini Prizm. You have to look at the 2024-25 Topps Chrome basketball checklist.
It’s a 200-card base set. It mixes the fresh rookies with absolute legends like Larry Bird and active superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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- Stephon Castle (#122): The Spurs rookie is a massive draw because he's playing alongside Wemby.
- Bronny James (#149): Love him or hate him, his cards move the needle.
- Victor Wembanyama (#193): This is his second-year Chrome card. While it's not the "true" RC, the parallels are still commanding big money.
The card numbering is consistent across the different box types, which is nice. You aren't hunting for a different base number in a Mega Box versus a Hobby Box.
Parallels, Refractors, and the Geometric Maze
Topps went absolutely overboard with the parallels this year. Seriously, you basically need a spreadsheet to keep track. If you're ripping Hobby Boxes, you're looking for things like the Blue Lava Refractor or the elusive Frozenfractor (numbered to 5 or less).
But the "Breaker Delight" boxes—which are basically just one pack of 10 cards—have these Geometric Parallels that look like something out of a kaleidoscope.
The Rarity Tier (A Quick Look)
Honestly, some of these are nearly impossible to pull. The Superfractor is the 1-of-1 king, as always. But the Red Geometric (numbered to 5) and Black Geometric (numbered to 2) are the ones that actually drive the high-end secondary market.
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If you're a retail hunter hitting up Target or Dick's Sporting Goods, you're looking for the Pink Basketball Refractors. They aren't as rare as the numbered hobby stuff, but they look great and are exclusive to the Value Boxes.
Those SSP Case Hits are Total Art
If you’re lucky enough to hit a case hit, the 2024-25 Topps Chrome basketball checklist has some of the coolest designs we’ve seen in years. The Ultra Violet All-Stars are the ones people are talking about. They have this neon, hand-drawn comic aesthetic that pops under a light.
Then there’s Helix and Radiating Rookies. These are Super Short Print (SSP) cards. You might open ten cases and never see one. That scarcity is exactly why a Wemby or LeBron Helix card can sell for more than a decent used car.
- 451: A fiery die-cut insert that looks like it’s literally burning.
- Rock Stars: A throwback vibe that honors the big personalities of the league.
- Let's Go!: High energy, bright colors, very "Discover" friendly.
What About the "No Logo" Problem?
Some purists can't get past the airbrushed jerseys. I get it. It looks a little weird to see LeBron in a plain purple jersey without "LAKERS" across the chest.
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However, the market is speaking with its wallet. Because Fanatics has the exclusive autograph rights for guys like LeBron and KD, this is the only place to get their modern on-card signatures. A sticker-auto from a licensed product just doesn't hit the same way as a beautiful, on-card Topps Chrome autograph, even if the jersey is blank.
Actionable Tips for Collectors
Don't just buy the first box you see. The price variance is huge.
- Check the SKU: If you want the big-time autographs, stick to Hobby or Breaker Delight. The Value Boxes (Retail) have autographs, but the odds are much longer.
- Watch the Corners: Chrome cards are notorious for having "dimples" or surface scratches straight out of the pack. If you're planning to grade that Zaccharie Risacher, look at it under a jeweler's loupe first.
- Follow the Pop Counts: Since there are so many parallels, some of the "un-numbered" refractors might actually be rarer than the high-numbered ones in the long run. Keep an eye on grading company data (PSA/SGC) to see what's actually hitting the market.
- Target the Second-Year Wemby: Everyone is obsessed with rookies, but the 2024-25 Topps Chrome Victor Wembanyama parallels are a "buy the dip" opportunity when everyone is distracted by the new draft class.
The 2024-25 Topps Chrome basketball checklist is essentially the end of an era. It’s the final "unlicensed" flagship before the world changes in late 2025. Whether you love the designs or hate the lack of logos, you can't ignore the fact that the biggest hits in the hobby right now are living inside these packs.
If you are looking to complete a set, focus on the 200-card base first. It’s manageable and includes enough legends to hold value over time.