2023-24 Panini Basketball Optic Contenders Hobby box
Guaranteed content (on average per box):
- 1 On-Card Autograph Card
- 2 Insert Cards
- 2 Parallel Cards
2023-24 Panini Contenders Optic Basketball Hobby Box - Get the Legends of the Future!
The Panini Contenders Optic series is a cornerstone of the collecting world. The classic "Season Ticket" and the coveted "Rookie Ticket Autograph" cards are now brought to new life with an Optichrome finish. The chrome surface highlights the players, the colors, and of course, the autographs, making every single card a small work of art.
Hunt for the Treasures of the 2023 Draft Class
The 2023-24 season is synonymous with one name: Victor Wembanyama. Contenders Optic offers the best chance to get the most valuable signed rookie cards of the French superstar. Look for the classic Rookie Ticket Autograph as well as the extremely rare Gold Prizm (/10) and the "grail" card, the Gold Vinyl (1/1) versions!
But the draft class isn't just about Wembanyama! Collect the signed and parallel cards of other rising stars like Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, and Amen and Ausar Thompson.
In addition to the guaranteed autograph, the box is full of exciting content. Look for spectacular insert cards, such as:
- Superstars
- Lottery Ticket
- Suite Shots
- Uniformity
Don't forget about the countless parallel cards either! From the Silver Prizm to the Red, Blue, Orange, Green, Gold, and the already mentioned Gold Vinyl 1/1 version, the pack can hold anything.
Panini America: The Unavoidable Brand of Collectible Sports Cards and Stickers
Panini America is one of the most dominant players in the collectible sports card and sticker market, operating as the American subsidiary of the Italian Panini Group. The brand's name is synonymous with high-quality, officially licensed products, and it maintains a close relationship with the major American sports leagues.
The parent company, headquartered in Modena and founded by the Panini brothers in 1961, became world-renowned for its sticker albums associated with the FIFA World Cup. Panini America was established in 2009 and quickly rose to the forefront of the market after acquiring the exclusive licensing rights for the NBA (National Basketball Association) and the NFL (National Football League). This effectively made it the sole ruler of the basketball and American football card market. The company further strengthened its position by acquiring the historic Donruss brand.
Product Range and Market:
Panini America's product portfolio is extremely broad, targeting every segment of collectors. Their most popular products include:
- Sports Cards: They offer card packs and boxes in various price ranges and levels of exclusivity. Among their most popular brand names are Prizm, Select, National Treasures, and Flawless, which often contain autographed or memorabilia cards (containing a piece of a jersey), thereby increasing their collectible value.
- Sticker Albums: Continuing the traditional Panini heritage, they also produce sticker albums for the American market, primarily related to the major sports leagues.
- Digital Collections: Adapting to the demands of the modern era, Panini America is also present in the digital space, allowing for the online collection and trading of cards.
- Memorabilia: Beyond cards and stickers, they also distribute autographed jerseys, balls, and other sports memorabilia.
The company does not only focus on American sports but is also a significant player in the international soccer (football) market, for example, as the official partner of the FIFA World Cup and the English Premier League. Additionally, they create collectible products for popular entertainment franchises such as Disney or Fortnite.
Significance and Reputation:
Panini America represents the pinnacle of the collecting hobby, especially in the United States. By holding exclusive licenses, a significant portion of the most sought-after rookie cards and rarities come from their products. The brand name guarantees quality and authenticity, which is essential in the secondary market where a single rare card can sell for millions of dollars. Panini America actively communicates with the collector community through online platforms and social media, constantly maintaining interest in their products.