Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren Signs NIL Deal with Topps
Topps is continuing to push its way back into basketball cards. The latest move has them signing a partnership deal with Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, the 2021 national high school player of the year.
The agreement, which isn’t an exclusive, covers both physical and digital basketball cards. Besides appearing in the online Bowman NEXT set and the yet-to-be-unveiled Bowman University Basketball, the 7′ center will appear in three products of his own.
“I’m looking forward to teaming up with Topps as they continue to capture the action of the game and I’m excited to share my passion of basketball with fans and collectors around the world,” Holmgren said.
He will appear in a player-curated set as well as one centered around art. Both are slated to release in 2022.
There will also a special Holmgren Topps card where all proceeds will go to Can Do Canines, a non-profit that pairs people with specially trained dogs.
Autographed memorabilia is also covered in the deal.
“This new partnership with Chet marks an exciting new addition to our product portfolio, and we’re thrilled to continue to introduce sports fans and collectors, both old and new, to our trading cards through another innovative collaboration,” said David Leiner, Topps’ Vice President and General Manager of Global Sports & Entertainment.
Holmgren was a five-star recruit out of Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis. In 2021, he was a McDonald’s All-American and participated in both the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit. On the international stage, Holmgren helped Team USA to the gold medal at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup and was named the tournament’s MVP.
