After a long summer, basketball is finally back!

The Knicks raise their first championship banner in over 50 years. LeBron debuts in a Sixers jersey. The Thunder and Spurs pick up right where the West Finals left off.

We figured that deserved a little tip-off of our own.

A Thank-You, One Year In

A little over year ago, we hit publish for the first time. Now, we’re closing in on 1,000 subscribers. Along the way, you’ve read along, commented, shared our work with fellow collectors, and stuck with us even when our takes age like milk.

None of that is lost on us. So we want to say thanks the best way we know how: with a little wax.

What’s Up for Grabs?

One sealed 2025/26 Topps Basketball Target Exclusive Black Friday Blaster Box. It’s the Black Friday release Target carried last year and the home of the exclusive Blackout parallels, with Black Friday-only inserts, autos, and relics in the mix.

It’s also a loaded rookie year with Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Kon Knueppel.

We’ve been sitting on one. Still sealed. And one of you has a chance to rip it.

How Do I Enter?

👉 You’re already in. Every subscriber, free or paid, gets one entry automatically. No forms. No extra steps.

👉 Not subscribed yet? Subscribe for free, and you’re entered.

Subscribe now

👉 Stack bonus entries, and help us hit 1,000. Earn one extra entry for every new subscriber you refer, up to 10. Sign in and grab your personal link at thehobbywire.com/leaderboard. Every new subscriber who signs up through your link between now and November 30 counts.

Refer a friend

That’s up to 11 entries per person.

When Is the Drawing?

Entries close: Monday, November 30 at 11:59 PM CT
Drawing: Tuesday, December 1

The winner will hear from us by Substack DM and by email from thehobbywire@gmail.com. We’ll never ask for payment or shipping fees. If anyone else tells you you’ve won, it’s not us.

Thanks for an incredible first year. Now we want to hear from you: who are you chasing this season? Drop your pick in the comments.

No purchase necessary. Open to US residents 13+. Ends November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT. Official rules

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Disclaimer: The content in The Hobby Wire is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Commentary, analysis, and opinions on sports cards, rookies, and the hobby are not financial, investment, or professional advice. Collectors should always do their own research before buying, selling, or trading cards. Market values are volatile and can change rapidly—past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Unless specified, all pricing references are based on the Prizm/Refractor parallels of an athlete’s Chrome rookie card, with prices from market movers, alt.xyz & 130pt.com.

Any odds mentioned were derived from DraftKings Sportsbook.

The Hobby Wire

NBA Tip-Off Is Here. So Is Our Giveaway!