2024 Panini Encore Football: Encore Makes Its Debut

Panini introduces Encore Football for the 2024 NFL season, marking the debut of a “dynamic program” (according to Panini) that celebrates the league’s superstars, legends, and promising rookies.

With a 200-card base set and many inserts, autographs, and memorabilia cards, Encore aims to captivate both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. 

At its very core, this “Encore” is a symbolic victory lap for Pinnacle and Pacific, two relics of Panini’s past. It’s a farewell tour of sorts before the NFL license goes to Topps.

But is it all it claims to be, or simply another release to stretch the value of an exciting 2024 rookie class? Here’s everything you need to know. 

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An Overview of 2024 Panini Encore Football

Set to release on March 26, 2025, at just $200, 2024 Panini Encore Football offers collectors a comprehensive experience with the following box configuration:​

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• 10 Packs per Box
• 6 Cards per Pack

Each hobby box is expected to deliver:​

• 1 Autographed Card
• 1 Memorabilia Card
• 10 Inserts
• 4 Numbered Parallels

This structure ensures a balanced mix of base cards, parallels, inserts, and hits, catering to various collecting preferences. ​

A few read flags with 2024 Panini Encore Football

While Encore introduces fresh elements to the football card market, collectors should consider certain factors:

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1. Debut Product Uncertainty

As a brand-new release, Encore Football enters the scene without any track record in the hobby.

Its long-term collectability is unknown, and while the format and content look promising, the set’s sudden appearance raises eyebrows for a reason—it feels like a calendar-stretching move by Panini to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the deep 2024 rookie class.

With Panini losing traction in football due to licensing concerns, it’s not surprising to see more debut products hitting shelves as they look to maximize revenue before their NFL window closes. For collectors, this creates both an opportunity and a risk: exciting new content, but uncertain long-term value

2. Design Familiarity

Some collectors have noted that certain insert designs in Encore resemble past sets, such as the Cramer’s Choice die-cuts from the 1990s. This familiarity might affect perceptions of the product’s uniqueness. ​

About Encore Football

Pre-selling for $200, 2024 Panini Encore Football is a debut mid-tier release that blends nostalgic design elements with modern NFL talent. Inspired by Panini’s Chronicles and Archives brands, the product brings back classic aesthetics—most notably from the 1991 Pinnacle Football era—while featuring a mix of veterans, legends, and the standout rookie class of 2024.

The 200-card base set is evenly split between veterans and rookies, and while it doesn’t rely heavily on base variations or short prints, it includes subtle design differences in some rookie cards (like alternate poses or jersey numbers).

While Encore doesn’t offer the flash of opti-chrome sets like Prizm or Mosaic, it stands out through its nostalgic presentation and accessible configuration. Each hobby box delivers:

The cards are printed on standard card stock, giving them a retro feel that will appeal to collectors who grew up ripping wax in the early ‘90s.

• 1 Autograph
  
• 1 Memorabilia Card
  
• 10 Inserts
  
• 4 Numbered Parallels
  

By fusing old-school visuals with new-school players like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr., Encore feels like Panini’s attempt to tap into hobby nostalgia while maximizing exposure for the 2024 rookie class. Whether that makes it a meaningful new entry or a clever calendar filler is up for collectors to decide.

Checklist Check: Inserts, autos and more

Since we’re all new to this product, here’s a guide on what to expect:

Base Set and Parallels

The 200-card base set features a dynamic tribute to the NFL’s top superstars and standout rookies. Collectors can anticipate a vibrant array of parallels, enhancing the chase for rare and valuable cards. 

Inserts and Their Appeal

Encore debuts with an exciting lineup of 10 all-new inserts, including:

• Pinnacle Showcase
  
• Panini Choice
  
• 2024 Rookies
  

These inserts aim to provide fresh content and designs, though some may draw inspiration from classic sets. ​

Autographs and Memorabilia Cards

Each hobby box guarantees one autograph and one memorabilia card. The autograph checklist includes the hottest rookies, current stars, and legendary champions across various compelling sets.

Investing in Sealed Boxes

Given Encore‘s debut status, investing in sealed boxes carries a degree of uncertainty. The product’s long-term value will depend on its reception among collectors and the performance of the featured rookie class.​ I’m personally staying away, but that’s more of a gut feeling than anything. 

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For collectors interested in specific players or inserts, focusing on singles may be a prudent approach. This strategy allows for targeted acquisitions without the risk associated with unopened boxes.​

In Conclusion: Rip, hold or pass?

2024 Panini Encore Football introduces a new dimension to NFL card collecting with its diverse content and fresh inserts. However, as a debut product, it carries uncertainties regarding its market performance.

• Rip? If you’re enthusiastic about exploring a new product and enjoy the thrill of discovering new inserts and designs, ripping packs could fun, especially given the affordable $200 price. Just don’t expect it to be lucrative.
  
• Hold? Given the product’s newness, holding sealed boxes as an investment is speculative. Monitoring market trends post-release may provide better insights.​
  
• Pass? If you prefer established products with a proven track record, skip out on Encore and wait on something better. 

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