Top NBA Card Brands: Scoring the Best Collectibles

The world of NBA card collecting has seen a resurgence in popularity, drawing both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts into its fold. With a wide array of brands producing diverse and exciting basketball cards, it can be a thrilling yet overwhelming endeavor to find the best ones. Renowned names in the industry include Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck, each offering unique collections that cater to different tastes and preferences. Interested in discovering which brands are leading the pack in 2023? Explore our comprehensive list below to guide your next card hunt.

Illustration of nba cards

Best brands of nba cards in 2025

Panini America

Panini America is a leading producer of NBA trading cards, holding a 100% market share in the U.S. NBA trading card market. The company acquired this exclusive license by leveraging its global distribution model, particularly its success with soccer stickers. Panini also holds a 50% market share for both NFL and NHL cards. Its products range from affordable sticker packs to high-end hobby cards, catering to a wide spectrum of collectors. Panini's strategy of targeting new generations of consumers has been instrumental in its success. For more details on their diverse product lineup, you can visit their official website.

Topps

Topps is a leading producer of sports trading cards, including NBA cards, known for its extensive card portfolios and iconic partnerships. The company has a long-standing history in the industry, having produced baseball cards since the 1950s and expanding into other sports. Topps was the sole baseball card manufacturer with a Major League Baseball license until 2022, and it has also made significant strides in digital cards, such as the Topps Bunt app launched in 2013. Despite losing its MLB license, Topps continues to innovate with blockchain technology and digital platforms like NBA Top Shot, attracting a new generation of collectors. The company's products, such as the Bowman series, remain highly sought after by collectors. For more information, visit their official website.

Upper Deck

Upper Deck is a leading producer of NBA trading cards, renowned for its high-quality and highly valuable collectibles. The company's Exquisite Collection, particularly the Rookie Patch Autographs, has seen significant sales, such as the 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph of LeBron James, which has sold for over $1.8 million. Upper Deck's innovative products, including autographed memorabilia and limited edition cards, have contributed to the brand's dominance in the market. The sports trading card market, where Upper Deck is a key player, is expected to grow significantly, with a projected market size of USD 39.53 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2024 to 2031. Upper Deck's commitment to authenticity and quality has made it a favorite among collectors. For more information on their offerings, visit their official website.

Leaf Trading Cards

Leaf Trading Cards is a prominent player in the sports trading cards market, particularly notable for its NBA cards, which are valued for their affordability and authenticity. Under the leadership of President Josh Pankow, Leaf has focused on strategic NIL deals, especially with top high school athletes, allowing them to be the first to market with rookie cards of future stars. This approach has helped Leaf build strong relationships with athletes and their families, enhancing brand recognition. The company's products, including retail boxes starting at $20, cater to a wide range of collectors, from those seeking affordable base cards to those interested in exclusive autographs and relics. Leaf's innovative strategy has contributed to the robust growth of the sports trading cards market, which is expected to reach USD 20.48 billion by 2030. For an exclusive look into Leaf Trading Cards with President Josh Pankow, explore more details about their strategic innovations and market insights.

Fleer

Fleer is renowned as one of the most significant producers of NBA cards, particularly noted for its iconic 1986 Fleer set, which averages $60,895 in value, although this figure drops to $28,825 when excluding Michael Jordan's card. This set marked a pivotal year in the basketball card market, with Fleer dominating the late 1980s. The brand's influence is evident in its market share, which was substantial before Panini took over the graded card market. Fleer's cards, such as the rookie cards of Michael Jordan, remain highly valuable, with Jordan's 1986 Fleer card selling for nearly $198,000 in PSA 10 grade. Despite criticisms of flooding the market, Fleer's legacy in NBA card collecting is undeniable. For more detailed statistics and insights, visit the Top 50 NBA Rookie Cards Statistics page.

SkyBox

The 1990-91 SkyBox Basketball set marked a significant milestone in the history of NBA trading cards, introducing innovative designs that blended striking artistry with player-focused storytelling. This set, comprising 423 cards divided into two series, featured iconic players such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, as well as promising rookies like Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. The set's impact was substantial, redefining the basketball card industry with its unique approach and cultural relevance. Despite the large supply, the set remains a treasure trove for collectors, celebrating basketball's golden age. The innovative design and rich player selection continue to resonate with collectors decades later. For more information, visit the 1990-91 SkyBox Basketball cards page.

Hoops

The Hoops brand, while not always prominently featured in some analyses, remains a significant player in the NBA trading card market. Notably, the 1986 Fleer set, which includes Hoops cards, averages $60,895 per card, showcasing its value among collectors. The Hoops brand may not be as highly regarded as Topps or Topps Chrome, which together account for 68% of the cards on certain lists. Nonetheless, cards from popular sets like the 1986 Fleer continue to attract high sales, highlighting the brand's enduring appeal. The strong sales figures and popularity of these sets emphasize the importance of Hoops in the NBA card market. For more insights, you can explore the Top 50 NBA Rookie Cards Statistics.

Donruss

Donruss, though now under the Panini Group, has a rich history as a prominent producer of NBA cards, known for its high-quality and visually appealing designs. Since its acquisition by Panini in 2009, Donruss has continued to produce notable sets, such as the Donruss Optic series, which is praised for its eye-catching use of color and limited edition cards. The 2023-24 Donruss NBA Basketball Cards feature one autographed card and 60 inserts/parallels in every box, highlighting top rookies and popular players. Donruss cards are highly sought after by collectors for their unique inserts and parallels, including hobby-exclusive sets like Net Marvels and Unleashed. Despite Panini being the leading brand, Donruss remains a favorite among collectors for its budget-friendly yet high-quality offerings.

Bowman

Bowman, a brand owned by Topps, is renowned for producing some of the most valuable and sought-after NBA trading cards. Since its inception in 1927, Bowman has consistently delivered high-quality cards, with the Bowman Chrome set, introduced in 1997, being a particular standout due to its inclusion of autographed cards starting in 2001. This set has featured rookie cards of notable players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, with some cards, such as the 2004 Bowman Chrome LeBron James, reaching significant values. Bowman's sets, including Bowman Sterling introduced in 2004, are highly prized for their rookie cards, veteran game-used cards, and limited refractor parallels. The brand's commitment to quality and rarity has made it a favorite among collectors, with Bowman cards making up 68% of the top NBA rookie cards.

National Treasures

The Panini National Treasures brand is renowned for producing some of the most valuable and sought-after NBA cards, often featuring rare autographs and memorabilia. Since its inception, National Treasures has consistently delivered high-grade cards, with some selling for millions of dollars, such as the 2009-10 Panini National Treasures Stephen Curry Rookie Patch Autograph, which sold for $5,900,000. Each hobby box typically contains four autographs and four memorabilia cards, making it a lucrative investment for collectors. The brand's attention to detail and limited print runs, such as the 1/1 parallels, contribute to its prestige. For example, the 2022-23 Panini National Treasures Basketball set includes exclusive parallels like the Orange (/75), Red, and Black (/3). Discover more about the 2022-23 Panini National Treasures Basketball cards.