Topps releases – Topps says it has taken possession of a game-used ball from Game 1 of the Western Conference finals—featuring Victor Wembanyama’s 41-point, double-overtime performance—and will sell special edition cards to fans buying Topps Now. The offer runs through Thursda
By Wednesday, May 20, Topps was no longer just selling nostalgia—it was selling a piece of the double-overtime moment that turned Victor Wembanyama into a headline.
The trading card company announced that it has taken possession of a game-used ball from Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. That matchup featured the San Antonio Spurs beating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. and it came with a night that has already taken on mythic proportions: Wembanyama recorded 41 points. 24 rebounds. and 3 blocks.
Topps plans to feature a portion of that ball in trading cards for Wembanyama and the Spurs center’s teammate, guard Dylan Harper. Each card will include a printed autograph.
Harper’s own stat line fed the momentum. The rookie, at 24 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 7 steals, also delivered a milestone that Topps says is rare in its own right: at 20 years old, Harper became the youngest player to notch a 4×5 game in the NBA playoffs.
The cards aren’t sold as a full set with a fixed destination point—they’re distributed through a purchase-and-random-selection mechanism. The special edition cards will be released randomly to customers who buy Topps Now cards commemorating each player’s landmark performance.
Those Topps Now purchases are on sale now at the Topps website through Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The price is $11.99.
The company is also leaning into the imagery of possession—literally. The day before. Topps said it acquired one of the nets from the heart-pounding matchup and plans to use it in a one-of-one Wembanyama card with the French star’s autograph. That net autographed card. too. will be given to a random customer acquiring the Defensive Player of the Year’s Topps Now card.
What Topps is doing with these limited items lands in a wider collectibles shake-up, not just a single promotional sprint. Earlier this month, the company made headlines when FIFA switched its longtime collectibles partnership with Panini to join the Fanatics-owned brand.
Even outside sports cards, the cultural pull around Wembanyama has been strong enough to touch everyday brands. The hype around him is said to have reached the point where Wendy’s was considering changing its name and menu to honor the Spurs star.
With Game 2 of the Western Conference finals tipping off at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Topps is effectively betting that the next highlight—like the last—will move fast from the court to the collector’s shelf.
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Topps Victor Wembanyama Dylan Harper Spurs Thunder Western Conference finals Topps Now trading cards game-used ball one-of-one card Paycom Center
So they just took the ball and are selling it like it’s Pokémon?? Wild.
Is this the ball he used in the actual double overtime or like any ball from the game? Seems kinda fake if it’s just “possession.” Also $11.99 for random cards… classic.
Wait I thought Topps makes baseball cards not basketball? And why does the article mention “Harper” like he’s the main guy lol. My friend said Wemby broke records but idk about the 4×5 thing, sounds made up.
Random selection is kinda messed up though. Like you could buy a bunch of Topps Now and never get the good one. But I guess people will anyway because it’s Wembanyama and everyone’s hyping him up everywhere, even Wendy’s??