Hobby Musings: Onyx branches out beyond baseball cards – Onyx Authenticated has made its reputation in the hobby by providing baseball products with notable upcoming prospects and all on-card autographs.  This year, the company decided to expand its sports base by releasing football and basketball products. To find out more about about the new products, I had the chance to catch up with Onyx president Lance Fischer.

KS: Lance, Onyx has been a baseball card company throughout its history. Why make the decision to expand to football and basketball?

LF: We’ve been toying with the idea to expand into football for about 5-6 years, but logistically it was difficult because it would coincide with baseball. This was the year it made the most sense due to demand and a strong draft. Going into football made us think why not also basketball!

KS: What were the differences, if any, that you found in compiling football and basketball products compared to baseball?

LF: Football and basketball were actually much easier since the Onyx brand had been established. Logistically all three are a challenge because of COVID-19 protocols from each league, and mailing cards can be a nightmare.

KS: For football, you picked mostly incoming rookies as the checklist subjects, but you also included non-rookies like Justin Herbert and Eli Manning. Why make the decision to include those players?

LF: Since Justin was projected to be ROY, it made perfect sense to add him, especially when the opportunity presented itself. Eli is a Super Bowl legend! We plan on bringing more legends and a few top current players in future releases.

KS: What kind of reception have you seen to your football product so far?

LF: Absolutely amazing! There have been a few hiccups which will be corrected, but overall the reception couldn’t have gone any better!

KS: If there was a way you could theoretically improve the football release, what would you want to do with it?

LF: Add more legends and current stars!

KS: For your basketball product which player autographs can collectors expect to find?

LF: The list is coming along really well – Steph Curry, Giannis, Jimmy Butler, Damian Lillard and 2021 draft picks will be a huge draw… Plus, all signatures are on-card!!

KS: From a baseball standpoint, you teased Ken Griffey Jr. autographs. When will we be seeing those and what else do you have coming up for baseball this year?

LF: Getting Ken Griffey Jr on-card was very exciting! He actually loved the look and feel of the cards, especially compared to signing stickers. We did a 2020 retro Onyx look to his card since the image and design matched perfectly.  He will be available in 2021 Onyx Vintage Extended. We will also produce a few more baseball products with Onyx Premium and Onyx GEMS!

KS: With so many big names across the sports, did you have to use sticker autographs at all?

LF: No and there are no plans to ever use stickers! We’ve set a standard within our brand to never use stickers. It can be logistically difficult at times, but since the standard has been set there is no plan to deviate.

KS: Do you think you’ll be expanding to any other sports?

LF: Our hands are pretty full with baseball, football and basketball now, so nothing in the near future.

KS: What else does Onyx have coming up in 2021?

LF: Getting ready for our VIP event during the National in Chicago on Thursday, July 29th! Very limited tickets will be available soon – We’ve rented out the entire Dave and Buster’s down the road from the convention with food and drink. Bringing in some big name athlete’s, a bunch of swag to give away and VIP special boxes!! Should be an incredible time!

Check out early previews of 2021 Onyx Vintage Football and 2021 Onyx Vintage Basketball.

SHOP ONYX SPORTS CARDS

Watch Lance Fischer on this week’s Go GTS Live, Hot Seat Interview


Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on collecting in Hobby Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
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