Product Spotlight: October is Drop Season at Replay Sports Cards!
New Topps and Panini releases are here — and our shop owners can’t wait to rip into them.
October marks one of the most exciting times of the year in the hobby: drop season. Shelves are filling up with fresh products from Topps and Panini, and Replay Sports Cards shops are buzzing with anticipation. To get an inside look at what’s hot this month, we caught up with two of our owners, Brent Schepel and Mike Martin, to hear what they’re most excited about — and what collectors can expect in our shops.
Owner Experience & Excitement
When asked which October release they’re most hyped for, Brent and Mike didn’t hesitate:
“We cannot wait for Topps NBA, which is scheduled to release on Topps NBA Day, October 23,” they shared. “This is the first Topps licensed basketball product in over a decade! Cooper Flagg’s rookie card will be the hottest chase since Victor Wembanyama a couple years ago. Plus, there are some exciting autograph chases with the biggest stars in the NBA.”
This year’s drop season feels extra special.
“Q4 of 2025 is so exciting because of the great innovation of products — Topps Disney, Topps Spongebob, and the brand-new NBA licensing,” Brent explained. “It’s been awesome to see the entertainment category take off like it is — inviting new collectors to Replay Sports Cards.”
And as collectors themselves, they’re not sitting this one out.
“We’ll absolutely be collecting Topps NBA,” Mike said. “The excitement behind it has been insane. As baseball collectors, we’re always pumped for Topps Update Baseball too, where we’ll see a new wave of rookies enter the card world. Topps Chrome Dune should be sweet as well — a hat tip to the great movie and gaming franchise.”
Customer Insights
If you’re wondering what’s flying off shelves, Brent and Mike say it’s no contest:
“Topps NBA Basketball and Topps Update Baseball are the most affordable and will be flying off the shelves.”
Collectors have been buzzing about the 2025 NFL rookie class — and with the season in full swing, football is leading the charge.
“NFL has been red hot,” they said. “With it being in season, it’s top of mind for everyone. NBA and NHL are right around the corner, so expect some pickup in those categories too. MLB postseason has also gained attention with the teams still alive.”
Shop Energy
Nothing beats release week at Replay.
“The excitement around big release weeks brings new and current customers in — creating a really cool atmosphere,” Brent said. “We see collectors that have never met ripping products together and chasing big cards!”
Some of those big moments become shop legends.
“Our favorite memory has to be 2021 Bowman, when we pulled a $25,000 Marcelo Mayer 1st Bowman Auto in shop,” Mike recalled. “It graded a 9.5 with BGS — pretty awesome. More recently, one of our customers pulled a Kevin Durant Manga case hit on release day. That was incredible.”
Industry Perspective
Across Replay shops, one trend stands out: entertainment cards are booming.
“We’re noticing a lot of collectors getting into the entertainment category,” Brent said. “Topps Chrome Spongebob and Topps Chrome Disney were some of our biggest sellers to kick off October!”
That’s one of the most exciting things about drop season — it brings everyone together.
“New releases get seasoned collectors chasing big cards and newcomers eager to join the action,” Mike said. “It creates a really fun, connected shop atmosphere.”
Final Thoughts
October drop season is here — and the energy inside Replay shops is electric. Whether you’re chasing your first box or your next grail pull, there’s never been a better time to get in on the action.
Swing by your local Replay Sports Cards to experience the excitement firsthand — and see why our shops are the destination for collectors this fall.