2026 Topps Chrome Black Basketball Hobby Box Pre-Order via EQL Raffle
Topps drops Chrome Black Basketball with guaranteed autos—resale poised to outperform retail.
Get it at EQL
What's Dropping
Topps has opened pre-orders for the 2026 Topps Chrome Black Basketball Hobby Box via their EQL raffle system. Each box retails for $349.99 and contains 1 pack with a guaranteed encased autograph—a format that’s proven popular with breakers due to its simplicity and high-end appeal. Cases were initially listed at $2,799.99 (likely an error, as previous Chrome Black releases were 12-box cases at $4,199.99), but Topps later adjusted the product page to reflect an 8-box case structure. Whether this was intentional or another oversight remains unclear.
When & Where
The raffle went live on July 28, 2026, at 12 PM ET on Topps’ EQL platform. Entries were open for hobby boxes (limit 4 per person) and sealed cases (limit 1). Links to the product pages were shared ahead of time, giving resellers a heads-up to prepare. Unlike traditional drops, EQL raffles allow a window for entry rather than a mad rush, though demand for Chrome Black products often means quick sellouts post-draw.
The Play
For resellers, the key angles here are:
- Pricing Quirks: The case price discrepancy ($2,799.99 vs. the expected $4,199.99) could have been a rare opportunity if Topps honored it, but the late adjustment suggests they caught the error.
- Breaker Appeal: Single-pack, auto-guaranteed boxes are break-friendly, meaning demand from breakers could drive secondary market prices up.
- Historical Performance: Past Chrome Black releases in baseball ($380 resale vs. $210 retail) and football ($420 resale vs. $320 retail) suggest this basketball edition has room to grow beyond its $349.99 retail.
Resale Outlook
With no eBay comps yet for the 2026 release, resellers can look to 2025’s Chrome Black Basketball or cross-sport comparisons for guidance. Given that football outperforms retail by $100+, basketball—with its higher-profile athlete autographs—could easily hit $450+. The guaranteed auto and sleek Chrome Black design add to the allure, making this a solid hold for short-term flips or long-term holds, especially if rookie classes or playoff performances heat up later in the year.
