Complete Guide to September 2023’s Sports Card Release Calendar
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After an August that brought us a bit of a “National Hangover,” an injury to the world’s top baseball star, ridiculous precipitation and heatwaves, and of course confusing drama between the NFLPA, Fanatics and Panini, September kicks off with strong football, baseball, baseball, soccer and even “Stranger Things” and “Loki” releases. And as if that’s not enough, there’s even something for hockey, WWE and UFC collectors as well — getting momentum going back in the right direction for hobbyists.
And if none of that does it for you, how about the possibility of Roberto Clemente’s 1st Bowman? That’s right, read on.
Official release dates are subject to change on short notice at the discretion of the manufacturer.
September 1: 2023 Donruss Elite Football
In our first featured set of September, collectors are able to pick up the Donruss Elite Football FOTL box. Base parallels range from /399 to 1/1, and an average of 11 inserts are included per box. Collectors can look to pick up a variety of mainstream football names from all-pro receiver Tyreek Hill to highly anticipated rookies such as Bryce Young, which can be featured through a retro design in the 2003 Elite inserts and may not be in pro uniforms. There are a number of different autos and inserts available through hobby boxes, giving football enthusiasts an exciting release with potential for high variety.
September 1: 2022-23 Panini Mosaic Basketball
Get ready for more Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Jaden Ivey and Bennedict Mathurin rookie cards to hit the market. The 2022-23 Mosaic Basketball drop offers four different boxes (Hobby, FOTL, Choice and Fast Break) with each averaging one autographed card and a combination of parallels and inserts. Staying true to their high parallel-filled packs, collectors can look to pull a new Mosaic Pink parallel.
There are 6 different inserts available, including two new variants (Razzle Dazzle and Storm Chasers). Autograph Mosaics can be picked up for both rookies and veterans, and can be found in parallels as well. New sets are included in the drop such as the horizontally displayed Pictograph Mosaics. Hobby boxes average an extremely enticing 40 combined parallels and inserts, as well as one auto. This is an extremely diverse release with a large number of collectable sets included.
September 1: 2023 Topps Pro Debut Baseball
2023 Topps Pro Debut Baseball is a highly-anticipated drop for collectors and flippers holding interest in top MLB prospects, as well as MLB legends featured in the uniforms in which they originally made their pro debuts. The base set consists of 200 cards, with Foil and Chrome parallels available. Both the Base and Chrome variants offer 9 different parallels serial numbered anywhere from /1 to /199. One of our favorite debuts of this set is the Pro Debut Echos, which features top prospects that have had former ties to the MLB through family members, such as Matt and Jackson Holliday. Autos can also be pulled with a number of parallels optioned.
September 1: 2023 Zerocool Stranger Things Season 4
The popular Netflix series gets its second release in as many months via Zerocool, offering a 100-card set that features 4 base parallels (such as the 0/0 Zerocool Black). Inserts are derived from themed sets, and autos of each of the cast members are able to be pulled. Zerocool also includes Relic cards, which sport previously used memorabilia pieces from the show’s production.
September 6: 2023 Panini Immaculate Collection Baseball
Panini Immaculate Collection Baseball focuses on retired stars as well as upcoming prospects, as they do not have MLBPA licensing. Collectors can seek out autograph patch cards, as well autograph materials. The jumbo bat series also has 8 of its own parallels, adding to the intrigue of this release. For collectors that like to stock up on stars before they hit the big stage, this drop provides both unique, lower priced options.
September 6: 2022-23 Panini Spectra Basketball
This year’s Panini Spectra Basketball release features just 16 cards per hobby box, but can load collectors and card flippers up on parallels and autos, as an average of 50% of the cards per box are one of the two. Parallels are serial numbered anywhere from /150 to 1/1, and include desirable options such as the Nebula, Marble, and Universale Die-Cut variants. Color Blast inserts are available only through the hobby boxes and are released in super short print.
September 6: 2022-23 Topps Finest UEFA Club Competitions Soccer
The release includes a 150-card base set that can be built on through an additional 20 card extended set. The base set includes 16 parallels, followed by 6 more from the extended set. New inserts have been added such as the Finest Moments and The Man to double the insert count, and each insert has either 9 or 10 of its own parallels.
September 7: 2023 Upper Deck Loki Season 1
While Marvel has been transitioning phases and introducing a new cast of heroes and villains, the studio has managed to include series and specials of fan favorites, including Loki. The 2023 Upper Deck Season 1 Loki drop features actor Tom Hiddleston and other cast members in various on-screen shots that are easily recognizable to enthusiasts. The base set includes 90 cards as well as 5 parallels. There are also 4 inserts that are able to be collected. Lastly, an average of two autograph cards can be expected per case.
September 8: 2023 Panini Plates & Patches Football
Panini Plates & Patches Football is composed of veteran stars as well as over 40 upcoming rookie players to combine for a 200-card set. The release features a number of parallels and metal variants such as Lava Drip and Arcade Mode that are short printed. Base sets have 9 parallels, while rookie options are host to 10 different parallels.
Collectors can also hit on auto cards through the steel signatures series (5 parallels) and rookie steel signatures (6 parallels outside of base). Lastly, standard and auto relics are available for those fortunate enough to pull them, and are serial numbered anywhere from 1/1 to /99.
September 13: 2023 Bowman Chrome Baseball
One of the most popular and highly anticipated releases of the month, Bowman Chrome Baseball brings particular desirable boxes for sports card flippers. The base set features 100 cards, and 10 refractor parallels are available. Luckier collectors can lock in short print variations through hobby boxes such as the freshly debuted Base Rookie Color Run Variation. The Chrome Prospect Refractors include a whopping 23 parallels. Additionally, Bowman Chrome Baseball has printed a myriad of different inserts and auto cards.
Perhaps the coolest feature of this release is the debut of 1st Bowman’s for legends like Roberto Clemente — a concept that Topps announced in April at Mint Collective in Las Vegas — marrying together the popular ultra-modern “1st” logo with historic players that never received a true “1st Bowman” card.
September 13: 2021-22 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey
Ultimate Collection Hockey includes retired greats, exciting rookies, and established veterans through a 200-card base set. The base set has 6 parallels, a number that is more than doubled through base autos and base veterans. Ultimate rookie autos are also included and numbered to 299, and have their own tier format. The Ultimate Collection Inserts have their own parallels colored gold, black, and purple.
September 15: 2023 Donruss Elite WWE Wrestling
The release features a 150-card set headlined by a number of autographed cards distributed on average twice per hobby box. There are also two different die-cuts available. The Donruss Elite drop includes nine different parallels of both legends and current stars. Hobby boxes have potential for high desirability on top of the aforementioned autographed cards through an average 20 inserts/parallels.
September 20: 2022-23 Panini Contenders Optic Basketball
Panini Contenders Optic Basketball precedes the upcoming NBA regular season with a base set of Season Ticket bases. Hobby exclusive parallels range from Silver to Gold Vinyl. There are 6 different inserts able to be pulled, and die-cut variants have returned. Both Rookie Ticket Autos of top stars like Banchero, Holmgren, Smith Jr, Ivery and Veteran Autos return as well.
September 20: 2022 Panini Flawless Football
The Panini Flawless Football September drop draws attention from collectors through prints of some of the most recognizable NFL stars through a base set studded with gems. The Base Gems are featured from /20 to 1/1.
There are also on-card autographs with 5 of their own parallels. Rookies from the Kenny Pickett/Garrett Wilson class are featured in Rookie Patch Autos numbered to 25, while established stars are toted on Dual Patch autos, both with 6 parallels. Boxes include 1 pack of 10 cards, and two boxes comprise a crate.
September 20: 2023 Panini Chronicles UFC MMA
Martial arts fans get their second release of the month via Panini Chronicles UFC MMA for the third year in a row. Panini boasts this drop as their most unique release yet, featuring over 20 different brands. Inserts include KABOOM!, and each hobby box includes 12 Holographic and Optichome cards. Autograph cards are available to pull through various weight classes, such as female star Amanda Nunes. A new signature line of Obsidian Lighting Strikes hits the market, and diversity continues through 3 different relics. There are 12 boxes per case here, ensuring those that purchase a flurry of different options.
September 20: 2023 Topps Tier One Baseball
Topps Tier One gives baseball enthusiasts a myriad of stars to be pulled through different autos, and while little information has been revealed regarding this release, collectors can expect 2 autos and 1 relic per hobby box, providing high upside for collectors and flippers alike.
September 20: 2023 Rittenhouse Star Trek Lower Decks
Rittenhouse Star Trek Lower Decks comes in at a high price point of $399 per pack, but offers lovers of the historic series a base set that includes all 10 cards from the Season 3 episodes. Inserts can also be collected via Character Stickers and Character Expansion cards. 4 autos are also guaranteed per pack. Packs include 21 cards and boxes hold 5 packs. Production is limited to just 600 packs, meaning those interested may be fighting to secure this exclusive release.
September 22: 2023 Panini Chronicles Racing NASCAR
Panini continues to dominate September’s release calendar with the 2023 Panini Chronicles Racing NASCAR drop for a fourth year. Collectors can expect 3 autos per box. The addition of Elite Materials relic inserts adds to a stacked list of 6 memorabilia variants. Cases are made up of 16 boxes holding 6 packs.
September 22: 2023 Panini Select Baseball
Similar to the immaculate collection release, this year’s Panini Select Baseball focuses on upcoming prospects and recognized legends as they do not have MLBPA rights. The base set touts a 300 card lineup split into 3 different subsets. Hobby boxes average an enticing 8 Prizm parallels, led by Zebra, Gold, and Gold Vinyl options. Rising stars can be located with the debuted Prospect Revolution insert. Rare Chase Sets feature Color Wheel and Select Names inserts, and the variation continues through a number of different autograph and relic cards.
September 22: 2023 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball
Topps Allen and Ginter returns with its uniquely styled card art in a base set including 300 cards, accompanied by 50 short-printed cards. Allen & Ginter has added a Foil Filigree parallel that falls once each hobby box, a number shared with mini variants that have an impressive 18 parallels between Base Minis and Mini SP’s. Four different mini inserts are also able to be pulled, as well as 4 full sized inserts. The release continues to add to an already stacked lineup with their Rip Cards, included twice per hobby box.
September 27: 2023 Panini Black Football
Panini Black Football has synced up its release nicely with the beginning of the NFL regular season, dropping a 242-card set. Base options feature parallels numbered /75 to 1/1, and they’ve also included inserts that are short-printed to add some exclusivity for buyers. Autographs and Relic options are available, showcasing elite stars like Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen.
Autos include: Rookie Patch Autographs, Rookie Signature Materials, Sizeable Signatures Rookie Jersey, and Shadow Ink. Like the aforementioned football releases in this article, it’s unclear whether 2023 NFL Drafts picks are represented, as images of Sauce Gardner and Kenny Pickett cards have the RC logo shield on them.
September 27: 2023 Panini Prizm WNBA Basketball
WNBA fans have a chance to collect the newest prints of their favorite stars through hobby boxes that include 24 Prizm Parallels. Limited Prizm editions are guaranteed two per hobby pack, providing a high level of value relative to the number of included cards. Hobby boxes average 10 inserts per, and the color blast is available for those fortunate to pull the super short printed cards. Panini has also included autos in this release, with 3 parallels for each auto.
September 27: 2022-23 Upper Deck SPx Hockey
While boxes only contain 1 pack of 5 cards, those that purchase are ensured one autographed card. The base set is split 50/50 between rookies and veterans. A new drop of parallels includes the NHL Die-Cut Hologram, which is short-printed /25. SPx Hockey has upped their game of inserts, with both new and updated sets. Inserts each have a variety of parallels available to be pulled.
September 29: 2023 Donruss FIFA Women’s World Cup Soccer
Following the Women’s World Cup, Donruss is set to release its FIFA Women’s World Cup Soccer prints. There are both hobby and retail blasters available, and 235 cards in a base set. The drop includes players from each team representing their country in the Women’s World Cup. There are eight different parallels for the base set, ranging from /299 to 1/1, and 9 inserts are included on average per blaster.
September 29: 2023 Panini Mosaic Football
Finishing off the September release calendar is the Panini Mosaic Football drop. Panini Mosaic includes a variety of upcoming rookies, proven stars, and retired greats in the checklist for collectors to look forward to pulling. Hobby boxes tout 18 parallels, split between silver and mosaic options.
Hobby boxes feature 7 Mosaic parallels, as well as a multiplicity of inserts such as stained glass and Splash. Chase options are available through rookie autos, showtime signatures, and in focus signatures. Unlike the earlier 2023 football releases, this one appears to feature 2023 NFL Draft picks in their pro uniforms.
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Paul Hickey is a regular contributor to Sports Card Investor, the creator of the Sports Card Investment Report at NoOffseason.com, and the host of the Sports Card Strategy Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. He can be found on Instagram at @sportscardstrategy and on Twitter @nooffseasoncard.
