In the ever-evolving world of sports cards, where anticipation is a collector’s bread and butter, Panini has tossed its hat into the ring with an offering that delivers its thrills at record speed. The 2024-25 Panini One and One Basketball collection is here, and it’s not for the faint of heart. With each box containing a mere two cards—one predictable autograph and one wild card ranging from a base to a splendidly parallel insert or an evocative piece of memorabilia—Panini offers enthusiasts a high-stakes adrenaline rush wrapped up neat and tidy inside each box. It’s like the espresso shot of the basketball card world, intensely satisfying and over in a flash.
These cards aren’t just tossed casually into the box. Each one is safely ensconced in a one-touch case, ensuring your new treasure can be celebrated and displayed immediately without the looming fear of an accidental drool or sneeze damaging its pristine condition. It’s all for the better because there’s something to be said about showing off a card encased in glass, adding a touch of ceremony to the experience.
The checklist reads like a who’s who of basketball royalty, with meticulously numbered base cards out of 99 featuring the NBA’s crème de la crème, legendary figures of yesteryear, and those bright-eyed rookies whose future highlights haven’t yet graced a single highlight reel. Yet, Panini couldn’t resist the allure of more splash and added a new Orange variant (/49) to the already vivid mix. Think Blue (/35), Purple (/25), Red (/15), shimmering Gold (/10), rare Green (/5), and the mythical Black one-of-one, each contributing to a rainbow that’s difficult to complete but thrilling to pursue.
But, as any seasoned collector knows, the chase for illustrious cards doesn’t stop at base sets and parallels. The reconvening of the beloved Downtown inserts adds another layer of excitement. This year, the Downtown lineup gets an added edge with All Star variations because, let’s face it, adding a bit of All Star sprinkle never hurt anyone. On top of that, we see new insert types coming to life like Fourth Dimension, Permit to Dominate on metal print, Manga, Prizmania, and Black Color Blast. Panini’s ethos this year seems to be “let’s add a little more spice,” and for those who knew and cherished previous collections, it’s a welcome enhancement.
Autographs are, of course, a cornerstone of Panini’s appeal, and Timeless Moments Autographs return with their characteristic polished on-card signatures, immortalizing legendary basketball memories. Doubling up on the magic, dual-signed Timeless Moments offer twice the historical gravitas, perfect for those seeking nostalgia captured in ink. Panini’s inventive spirit shines through the surface with newer autograph additions bearing titles that echo with exclusivity and flair:
One of a Kind
One Man Show
One and One Stats Autographs
One and One Jersey Number Autographs
One and One Draft Pick Autographs
One and One Championship Signatures
One and One Rookie Season Signatures
ISO
The One and Only Autographs
Spotting the pattern here? You’re correct—Panini invites you into a game of wordplay, each set hinting at the exclusivity of its subjects.
The memorabilia front isn’t left in the dust either. Panini promises all kinds of patch bliss with fresh takes such as Fractal Patch Autographs, Lone Star Autographs, Rookie Jumbo Memorabilia, and the grandeur of Logoman cards. Because let’s admit it, if the goal is to be swept off your feet by memorabilia, you might as well go big—perhaps Logoman big.
Whether you’re a new collector or a seasoned enthusiast, the tangible excitement in the 2024-25 Panini One and One Basketball release is undeniable. So, prime your card-ripping reflexes and prepare your display cases as you settle down for the thrill ride awaiting in each neatly packaged box. Predictably, the full checklist is yet to be revealed, hovering tantalisingly ahead of the release, a perfect tease for eager collectors who yearn for that perfect rip. Whether it’s for the tight race to secure these precious cards or for the craftsmanship of the collection itself, Panini seems to promise that this season will be anything but flat.
