2024 Panini Prizm WNBA Basketball Hobby Box Review: A Collector’s Dream or a Gambler’s Risk?

Absolutely ridiculous. That’s the only way to describe the price point of the upcoming 2024 Panini Prizm WNBA Hobby Box.

Yes, it’s one of the most highly anticipated releases ever, following the WNBA’s strongest year by far.

Yes, the box is stacked with exciting stars and rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and more.

And yes, this is a flagship set with a ton of opportunities for amazing hits.

But $2,000 CAD ($1,350 USD) for a hobby box? That price tag is hard to justify.

If you’re into high-risk, high-reward bets, this might be for you. But for traditional collectors, it feels like a prime example of how the trading card industry is shifting—and not necessarily for the better. But enough of the rant; let’s dive into what the set actually offers.

Release Details

• Release Date: February 12, 2024
• Price: $2,000 CAD / $1,350 USD (Hobby Box)

Box Breakdown

• Hobby Box: 12 cards per pack, 12 packs per box, 12 boxes per case (for those with tens of thousands to spare)
• Blaster Box: 4 cards per pack, 6 packs per box

What to Expect in Each Hobby Box:

• 2 Autographs
• 10 Inserts
• 24 Prizm Parallels (2 per pack)

The Rookie Class: The Main Event

The buzz around this set is largely driven by its rookie class:

• Caitlin Clark
• Angel Reese
• Cameron Brink
• And many more rising stars

But it’s not just the rookies getting attention. Thanks to the WNBA’s growing popularity, some veteran players are finally receiving the recognition they deserve.

Base Set & Parallels

The base set consists of 150 cards, featuring both current stars and legends of the league.

In typical Prizm fashion, expect a rainbow of parallels. There are too many to list here, but rest assured, there’s no shortage of colors, patterns, and exclusives to chase.

Insert Sets to Watch

Here are the standout inserts in this release:

• Clark-Mania: A single card with multiple parallels. Super rare and destined to be a major chase item.
• Color Blast: A fan favorite with 10 cards in the set. These are rare and always in high demand.

• Fearless: A returning insert with 15 cards, available in various parallels.
• Fireworks, Fractal, Groovy, Kaleidoscopic, Pioneers, Top Tier: Familiar names with new designs and plenty of parallels to hunt.

The Juicy Part: Autographs

This is where that hefty price tag comes into play.

• Signatures: Featuring 40 cards with a range of parallels, including big names from the rookie class.
• Throwback Signatures: Another set of 40 cards, offering a nostalgic nod to earlier Prizm designs, with the top rookies included here as well.

Final Thoughts

To recap: this set is a gambler’s paradise, not a collector’s haven.

If you decide to rip a box, I genuinely hope you hit something incredible. But at this price point, it feels like the joy of collecting is taking a backseat to the thrill of the gamble.

What do you think about this release? Are you planning to pick up a box? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, take care, and happy collecting!

Check out the full checklist here.