Topps Now: Livvy Dunne & Paul Skenes Are Taking the Hobby By Storm!
Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne are redefining what it means to be a sports power couple in the modern era. Both are stars in their respective fields, Skenes is a generational baseball talent for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Dunne is a trailblazing collegiate gymnast and social media influencer at LSU. Together, they combine elite athleticism with unprecedented mass appeal, making waves not only in the sports world for millions of fans but also in the world of collectibles.
Skenes, the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, is already turning heads as one of the most highly touted pitching prospects in decades. Known for his triple-digit fastball and fierce competitiveness, he’s expected to be a game-changer for the Pirates franchise. Dunne, meanwhile, is a standout gymnast and one of the most followed athletes on social media, with millions of fans across TikTok and Instagram. Her influence transcends gymnastics, as she’s become a leader in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) movement, empowering athletes to leverage their brand in unprecedented ways.
Their partnership took on a new dimension with the release of a Topps Now card featuring the power couple celebrating Skenes recent National League Rookie of the Year Award.
Featuring both athletes, the card (which offers collectors both a base version as well as an autographed version) has quickly captured the imagination of fans and collectors alike. The card represents a merging of two distinct worlds, baseball and gymnastics, appealing to a much broader and more diversified audience. Topps has tapped into a unique opportunity by celebrating not just their athletic prowess but also their cultural significance as a power couple.
The release has caused a stir throughout the sports card hobby, drawing attention from seasoned collectors and casual fans. With a limited print run and the added allure of a 1/1 dual autographed card, this card has become instant classic. Collectors see this as a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, and one that celebrates the crossover appeal of two rising stars. For those who believe in the long-term upside of collectible investments, this card checks all the boxes: scarcity, star power, and cultural relevance.
The implications for the hobby are significant. Cards featuring multi-sport or narrative-driven pairings are becoming increasingly popular, and Skenes and Dunne’s card sets are about to set a new benchmark. As both athletes continue to rise, the value of their collectible items is likely to follow. For Skenes, a successful MLB debut has elevated his status, and his card values, over the last six months. For Dunne, her expanding influence and ability to break barriers across both athletics and branding will keep her in the spotlight for years to come.
For collectors, this dual card is more than just a piece of everyday cardboard; it’s a snapshot of two young icons who are reshaping their sports and the broader culture around them.
Bio: Matt Schilling, a lifelong sportscard collector and a proud graduate of Towson University (Class of 2006) who currently resides in Queens, New York, is one of the newest contributing authors to the Collectibles segment now featured on http://SI.com