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If you’re new to trading cards, the number of brands, sets and product types can get overwhelming fast. Every sport has different licensing rules, every company makes different products and every box offers a different collecting experience. But once you understand the basics, the hobby becomes much easier to navigate.
This guide breaks down the major card brands, explains the difference between retail and hobby formats and helps you understand what to look for before buying your first boxes.
The Major Trading Card Brands Explained
One of the first things beginners notice is that different companies make cards for different sports. This happens because certain companies hold exclusive licenses, giving them the right to use official team logos and uniforms. Licensed cards usually hold stronger value, but unlicensed cards can still be fun to collect.
Here’s how things look today.
Topps (Fanatics)
Topps has rapidly become the dominant force in modern trading cards. Fanatics acquired Topps in 2022, and since then the brand has expanded its licensing footprint across nearly every major sport.
Topps currently produces licensed cards for:
- MLB
- NBA (new as of 2025)
- Formula 1
- UEFA Champions League
- Bundesliga
- MLS
- Premier League
- WWE
- UFC
- Star Wars
- Marvel
- Disney properties
- Garbage Pail Kids
Popular Topps products
- Topps Chrome
- Topps Finest
- Topps Flagship (Series 1, 2, Update)
- Topps Stadium Club
- Bowman and Bowman Chrome
High end Topps releases
- Topps Dynasty
- Topps Chrome Sapphire
If you want a deeper look at recent Topps products, check out our guide to 2025 Topps Update Series.
Panini
Panini was the exclusive producer of licensed NBA and NFL trading cards from 2009 until Fanatics began absorbing those licenses. As of 2025:
- Panini still produces licensed NFL cards
- Panini will eventually lose the NFL license, but they continue to release products during the transition
- Panini no longer holds the NBA license
Collectors still chase Panini rookies for stars who entered the league during Panini’s licensing window such as Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and many more.
Popular Panini products
- Prizm
- Select
- Mosaic
- Donruss
- Donruss Optic
- Chronicles
High end Panini products
- National Treasures
- Flawless
- Immaculate
Panini also releases creative specialty products like Monopoly Prizm.
Upper Deck
Upper Deck continues to hold the exclusive license for NHL trading cards.
Popular Upper Deck products
- Upper Deck Flagship (Series 1 and 2)
- SP Authentic
- SPx
- The Cup
Upper Deck’s Young Guns remain the most iconic hockey rookies in the hobby.
Leaf
Leaf does not hold league licenses, but focuses heavily on autographs, memorabilia and celebrity content.
Collectors like Leaf because they often deliver:
- Early autographs for top prospects
- High school athlete cards
- Celebrity and pop culture sets
- Creative memorabilia cards
Popular Leaf products
- Leaf Metal
- Leaf Ultimate
- Leaf Pop Century
Understanding Trading Card Formats: Retail vs Hobby
Retail Products (Target, Walmart, Meijer)
Retail is the most accessible and beginner friendly way to buy cards.
Fat Packs
- Usually $5 to $15
- Around 15 to 30 cards
Hanger Boxes
- Around $15 to $20
- Often 30 to 60 cards
- Hanger-exclusive parallels
Blaster Boxes
- Usually $25 to $40
- 6 to 12 packs
- The most common retail purchase
Mega Boxes
- Usually $50 to $80
- More parallels and stronger odds at hits
Retail is great for casual ripping and learning products without overspending.
Hobby Products (Card Shops and Online)
Hobby boxes include the strongest chase cards and exclusive hits.
Hobby Boxes
- Better autograph and numbered card odds
- Many guarantee at least one hit
Jumbo Boxes
- More packs
- More hits
- Great for building full sets
Breaker Boxes
- Fewer base cards
- More hits
- Popular for group breaks
For updated sports news and rookie hype cycles, you can browse ESPN, which is helpful when deciding which products or players to chase.
Beginner Tips: What Should You Buy?
1. Choose products and designs you genuinely like
If you enjoy the look, you’ll enjoy the product — even without big hits.
2. Consider buying singles
Many collectors eventually learn that buying singles is often smarter than ripping boxes.
3. Check the checklist
Knowing what rookies, inserts or hits are possible helps you make smarter decisions.
For example, here’s our guide to Mosaic Football:
The Best Cards to Look For in 2025 Panini Mosaic Football
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re ripping packs for fun or building a long-term collection, understanding the major card brands and product types will help you make better decisions and enjoy the hobby even more.
Whatever you decide to collect, make sure to scan your cards using the Ludex app to track pricing, organize your collection and stay on top of your hobby.
If you want to learn more, feel free to watch our YouTube video covering the same topic!
The Ludex app is here to help you track and manage your trading card collection. Click HERE to download the Ludex mobile app for FREE!
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