Caitlin Clark has changed the way fans view the WNBA, as well as women's basketball cards. The first year of Select WNBA has a fairly limited print run than expected, and great eye appeal.

 

 

The 2024 Panini Select WNBA Basketball set is a significant release, marking the debut of the Select brand in the WNBA card market. This comprehensive set features a 250-card base checklist, divided into three distinct tiers:

  • Concourse Level: Cards #1-100
  • Premier Level: Cards #101-200
  • Courtside Level: Cards #201-250

Each tier offers unique designs and varying levels of rarity, catering to both collectors and investors.

Key Highlights of the 2024 Panini Select WNBA Set:

  • Parallels: The set includes a variety of parallels, such as Tie-Dye (#/25) and Gold Vinyl (1/1), providing collectors with opportunities to find rare and valuable cards.
  • Autographs: Collectors can look forward to autograph subsets like Courtside Action Signatures and Draft Selection Signatures, featuring both established stars and promising rookies.
  • Inserts: The set introduces new insert series, including Snapshots, which capture dynamic action shots of players, and the exclusive Black Color Blast, a super short print (SSP) insert showcasing top WNBA stars.

For a detailed breakdown of the complete checklist, including individual card numbers and player names, resources like Beckett provide comprehensive information.

Additionally, platforms such as SportsCardsPro offer insights into card values and market trends, which can be valuable for collectors looking to assess the worth of specific cards within the set.

the 2024 Panini Select WNBA Basketball cards are gaining significant popularity among both collectors and investors. This excitement is fueled by several factors:


Key Reasons for Popularity

  1. First-Ever Select WNBA Release:
    • This is the debut of the Select brand for WNBA cards, a milestone in the hobby that attracts collectors who value inaugural sets.
  2. Star Power:
    • The checklist features superstars like Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu, alongside rookies and rising stars such as Caitlin Clark (depending on NCAA/rookie eligibility timing).
    • Caitlin Clark, in particular, has a massive following, and her cards are highly sought after.
  3. Parallels and Rarities:
    • The product includes eye-catching parallels like Tie-Dye (#/25), Gold (#/10), and Gold Vinyl (1/1), making it attractive to collectors chasing rare cards.
    • Insert sets like Black Color Blast (a super short print, SSP) are also driving demand.
  4. WNBA's Growing Popularity:
    • Increased viewership and fan engagement with the WNBA translate to greater interest in collectibles related to the league.
  5. Investment Opportunity:
    • WNBA cards have historically been undervalued compared to NBA cards, but the growing recognition of women's sports and the rarity of products like Select make them appealing to investors.

Early Market Buzz

  • Scarcity Drives Demand: With fewer WNBA card products released annually compared to NBA, Select WNBA cards hold higher perceived value due to limited supply.
  • Crossover Appeal: Fans of the NBA Select brand are exploring the WNBA version, particularly to chase rookies or rare inserts.
  • Caitlin Clark Effect: If Panini includes NCAA stars like Clark or Angel Reese in subsets, expect a surge in interest.