2025 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Review and Checklist

$113.95

The 2025 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions set is a dynamic release that combines a 100-card base set with a 50-card Upper Deck Young Guns subset, featuring a mix of sports legends, current stars, rookies, and pop culture personalities. The set’s hallmark is its blend of modern and vintage aesthetics, incorporating Upper Deck’s premium brands like Exquisite Collection and Black Diamond, alongside historical relics and unique inserts like Animal Kingdom Emblems and Museum Collection Sporting Relics. With an average of two hits per hobby box (autographs, memorabilia, or premium inserts), collectors are drawn to the chase for rare parallels and high-end cards.

The set’s release date was July 16, 2025, and it is available in hobby boxes (15 packs, 5 cards per pack) and blaster boxes with a bonus pack containing four Turquoise parallels and one Goodwin All-World insert. The checklist spans mainstream sports like basketball, baseball, and football, as well as niche disciplines like water polo, cycling, and snowboarding, featuring names like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Brie Larson, and Shaun White.

Base Set

The 100-card base set is the backbone of Goodwin Champions, showcasing a diverse array of subjects, including athletes, celebrities, and historical figures. The design blends contemporary and retro elements, with vibrant colors and clean layouts that highlight the subjects. Notable cards include:

• Tiger Woods (Golf, #1)

• Jimmy O. Yang (Comedian, #2)

• Brie Larson (Actor, #7)

• Rintaro Sasaki (Baseball Prospect, #9)

• Asa Newell (Basketball Prospect, #14)

The base set is accessible, with cards landing approximately 3:1 per hobby pack, making it a solid foundation for collectors.

Base Set Parallels

The 2025 Goodwin Champions base set features a robust lineup of parallels, many of which are low-numbered and exclusive to hobby or ePack formats. These parallels add visual flair and rarity, appealing to collectors chasing limited editions. The full breakdown includes:

• Glossy Black Parallel (1:2 hobby packs): A sleek, high-gloss finish.

• Silver Foil Parallel (1:5 hobby packs): Adds a metallic sheen.

• Rainbow Parallel (1:10 hobby packs): Features a colorful, iridescent effect.

• Red Rainbow Parallel (1:30 hobby packs): A vibrant red variation.

• Orange Dots Parallel (#/399): A numbered parallel with a dotted pattern.

• Blue Checkers Parallel (#/249): Features a checkered design.

• Yellow Circles Parallel (#/199): Incorporates circular patterns.

• Pink Confetti Parallel (#/149): A playful, confetti-inspired design.

• Purple Diamond Parallel (#/99): A premium, diamond-themed parallel.

• Red Pillars Parallel (#/23): A striking red design with architectural motifs.

• Green Pixels Parallel (#/10): A pixelated, tech-inspired look.

• Golden Galaxy Parallel (1/1): A one-of-one cosmic-themed parallel, highly coveted.

• Printing Plates (1/1, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow): Four unique plates per card, exclusive to hobby/ePack.

Blaster-exclusive parallels include:

• Lucky Red Parallel (4 per China Blaster Bonus Pack)

• Orange Parallel (4 per Mega Blaster Bonus Pack)

• Turquoise Parallel (4 per North American Blaster Bonus Pack)

These parallels enhance the set’s collectibility, offering a range of rarities from common to ultra-limited.

Upper Deck Young Guns Subset

The 50-card Upper Deck Young Guns subset is a major highlight, focusing on top rookies across various sports. Falling at 1:3 hobby packs (approximately six per box), these cards are a collector favorite due to their association with Upper Deck’s flagship hockey line. Notable rookies include:

• Joao Neves (Soccer, #15)

• Asa Newell (Basketball Prospect)

• Luther Burden III (Football Prospect)

Young Guns Parallels

The Young Guns subset mirrors the base set’s parallel structure, with additional variations:

• Outburst Parallel (1:30 hobby packs): A bold, fiery design.

• Clear Cut Parallel (1:240 hobby packs): Printed on acetate for a transparent effect.

• UD Exclusives Parallel (#/100): A premium numbered parallel.

• High Gloss Parallel (#/10): A glossy, limited edition.

• Red Outburst Parallel (#/25): A rarer version of the Outburst design.

• Gold Outburst Parallel (1/1): A one-of-one chase card.

• Printing Plates (1/1, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow): Four unique plates per card.

• Deluxe Parallel (#/250): A hobby-exclusive numbered parallel.

The Young Guns subset, with its high-profile rookies and rare parallels, is a cornerstone of the set’s appeal, especially for collectors seeking future stars.

Inserts

The 2025 Goodwin Champions set is packed with insert sets that pay homage to Upper Deck’s legacy while introducing fresh themes. Each insert set offers unique designs, rarity, and collectible appeal.

Goudey Inserts

The Goudey insert set, inspired by vintage card designs, features 2.5” x 2.5” mini cards with original artwork and a retro aesthetic. These land at 1:4 hobby packs (approximately four per box) and include:

• Red Parallel (1,933 copies): A widely available but collectible parallel.

• Pink Parallel (#/33): A low-numbered, vibrant variation.

• Black Parallel (1/1): A one-of-one chase card.

• Goudey Autographs (1:240 hobby packs): On-card signatures from a diverse roster.

• Goudey Sport Royalty Autographs (1:8,640 hobby packs): Ultra-rare signatures from top athletes.

• Goudey Sport Royalty Memorabilia (1:2,400 hobby packs): Relic cards featuring premium swatches.

The Goudey inserts blend nostalgia with modern collecting, making them a fan favorite.

Black Diamond Inserts

The Black Diamond brand, known for its premium feel, returns with two main sets:

• Black Diamond (#/349): Standard inserts featuring veterans.

• Black Diamond Rookie Gems (#/349): Highlighting top rookies.

  • Red Parallel (#/100): A vibrant, numbered variation.

  • Green Parallel (#/10): A rare, emerald-themed parallel.

  • Pure Black Autographs (Varied #’ing): On-card signatures for select cards.

• Diamond Relics (#/99): Cards embedded with one to four diamonds, with the number of diamonds reflecting the athlete’s prominence.

  • Pure Black Parallel (1/1): A one-of-one version.

• Band of Color (#/20, Rookies #/25): Features multiple colored diamonds.

• Gemography Autographs: Rare autographed inserts with a gemstone aesthetic.

The Black Diamond inserts add a luxurious touch, with embedded diamonds and low-numbered parallels creating significant chase appeal.

Exquisite Collection

The 2025 Exquisite Collection is a high-end insert set featuring veterans and rookies, with a focus on autographs and memorabilia:

• Base Exquisite (#/99): Standard veteran cards.

• Base Rookies (#/149): Rookie-focused cards.

  • Gold Auto (#/10): Autographed veteran cards.

  • Gold Spectrum Auto (1/1): One-of-one autographed cards.

  • Rookie Auto (#/99): Autographed rookie cards.

  • Rookie Auto – Gold Parallel (#/10): A limited autographed variant.

  • Rookie Auto – Gold Spectrum Parallel (1/1): A one-of-one autographed chase.

  • Rookie Auto Patch (#/99): Combines autographs with memorabilia swatches.

  • Rookie Auto Patch – Gold Parallel (#/10): A numbered patch variant.

  • Rookie Auto Patch – Gold Spectrum Parallel (1/1): A one-of-one patch card.

• Exquisite Signature Kicks (Vertical/Horizontal, via redemption): Features autographs paired with sneaker swatches (e.g., soles, laces).

The Exquisite Collection is a centerpiece for high-end collectors, with its low-numbered cards and premium memorabilia.

Splash of Color

The Splash of Color subset (#101-150) consists of 50 short-print cards (1:5 hobby packs) with vibrant, artistic designs. These cards also feature 3-D Lenticular variants, which double as Upper Deck Bounty cards. Collectors who complete the set and register it can earn exclusive cards not available in packs. The Lenticular variants come in three tiers:

• Tier 1 (1:36 hobby packs)

• Tier 2 (1:160 hobby packs)

• Tier 3 (1:1,438 hobby packs)

• Splash of Color Autographs (1:180 hobby packs): On-card signatures.

• Splash of Color Memorabilia (1:240 hobby packs): Relic cards with vibrant swatches.

The Bounty program adds an interactive element, rewarding dedicated collectors.

Retro SP Authentic Inserts

These inserts pay tribute to Upper Deck’s iconic designs from the past, featuring on-card autographs:

• 2000 Retro SP Authentic Auto (#/299)

• 2001 Retro SP Authentic Future Watch Auto (#/299)

• 2003-04 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto (Varied #’ing)

• 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Rookie Auto Tribute (#/49)

  • Gold Parallel (#/5)

  • Gold Spectrum Parallel (1/1)

• 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Rookie Auto Materials Tribute (#/25)

  • Gold Parallel (#/5)

  • Gold Spectrum Parallel (1/1)

• 2009-10 Retro Exquisite Collection Rookie Auto Tribute (#/49)

  • Gold Parallel (#/10)

  • Gold Spectrum Parallel (1/1)

These inserts appeal to collectors nostalgic for Upper Deck’s classic sets.

Animal Kingdom Emblems

A new addition for 2025, this five-tiered manufactured relic insert set features exotic animals with detailed artwork. Each tier increases in rarity, combining educational appeal with collector-grade artistry. Odds vary from 1:96 to 1:4,200 hobby packs, making these a challenging chase.

Museum Collection Sporting Relics

These inserts include historical artifacts, such as Civil War soldiers’ letters and relics tied to the D.B. Cooper case. They offer a unique blend of sports and history, with odds of 1:480 for standard relics and redemptions for oversized versions.

Goodwin Masterpieces

These one-of-one inserts feature meticulously recreated classic artworks, blending art and sports card collecting. They are highly sought after for their uniqueness and artistic value.

World Mythology

A new short-print insert set (1:120 hobby packs), World Mythology features Greek legends with foil designs, adding a mythological flair to the set.

The Story of the USS Midway

Another new short-print set (1:100 hobby packs), this insert focuses on the history of the USS Midway, with detailed designs and historical significance.

Birth Year Quad Coinage

A unique insert featuring coins from the birth years of featured athletes, adding a numismatic element to the set. Specific odds are not disclosed, but they are noted as a chase item.

Autographs

Autographs are a major draw, with several sets offering on-card signatures:

• Goodwin Autographs (1:240 hobby packs): Base design with signatures.

• Goodwin Horizontal Autographs (1:240 hobby packs): A horizontal variant.

• Goodwin Cut Signatures Legends of Rock and Roll (1/1): Ultra-rare, one-of-one signatures from music icons.

• Splash of Color Autographs (1:180 hobby packs): Vibrant, short-print signatures.

• Goudey Autographs (1:240 hobby packs): Retro-styled signatures.

• Goudey Sport Royalty Autographs (1:8,640 hobby packs): Rare signatures from top athletes.

• Black Diamond Pure Black Autographs (Varied #’ing): Premium signatures.

• Exquisite Collection Autographs: Includes various numbered and one-of-one variants.

The variety of autograph sets ensures options for collectors at different price points, with the rarest being significant chase cards.

Memorabilia

Memorabilia cards add a tactile element, with swatches from athletes and historical artifacts:

• Goodwin Memorabilia (1:60 hobby packs): Standard relic cards.

• Splash of Color Memorabilia (1:240 hobby packs): Vibrant relic cards.

• Goudey Sport Royalty Memorabilia (1:2,400 hobby packs): Premium relics.

• Exquisite Signature Kicks: Sneaker swatches paired with autographs.

• Museum Collection Sporting Relics: Historical artifacts, such as Civil War letters.

• Diamond Relics (#/99): Embedded with one to four diamonds.

These cards elevate the set’s premium feel, especially the unique historical relics and sneaker swatches.

Hobby Box Breakdown

Each hobby box contains 15 packs with 5 cards per pack, averaging:

• 2 Hits: Autographs, memorabilia, or premium inserts (e.g., Exquisite, Black Diamond).

• 4 Goudey Cards: Including parallels and potential autographs.

• 6 Young Guns Cards: With a chance for rare parallels.

• 23 Parallels or Inserts: Including base parallels, Splash of Color, and other inserts.

Blaster boxes include a bonus pack with four Turquoise parallels and one Goodwin All-World insert, making them an accessible entry point for casual collectors.

Review

The 2025 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions set excels in its diversity, offering something for every type of collector. The base set’s eclectic mix of subjects, from sports legends to pop culture icons, ensures broad appeal, while the Young Guns and Exquisite Collection subsets cater to rookie and high-end collectors, respectively. The extensive parallel lineup, with everything from accessible Glossy Black to one-of-one Golden Galaxy, provides chase cards at all levels of rarity. Inserts like Animal Kingdom Emblems and Museum Collection Sporting Relics add unique, non-sport elements that set Goodwin apart from traditional trading card sets.

The inclusion of premium brands like Black Diamond and Exquisite, along with historical relics and innovative inserts like Birth Year Quad Coinage, elevates the set’s prestige. However, the high odds for some hits (e.g., Gou Negli Sport Royalty Autographs at 1:8,640) may frustrate collectors seeking specific cards. The Bounty program for Splash of exclusivity adds an engaging, interactive element, rewarding dedicated collectors.

Pros:

• Diverse checklist spanning sports, pop culture, and history.

• Robust parallel and insert offerings with varying rarity levels.

• Premium hits like Exquisite Collection and Black Diamond add value.

• Unique inserts like Animal Kingdom Emblems and Museum Collection relics stand out.

• Young Guns subset appeals to rookie collectors.

Cons:

• High odds for some autographs and memorabilia cards can make them difficult to pull.

• The eclectic mix may not appeal to collectors focused solely on one sport.

• Redemptions for certain high-end cards (e.g., Exquisite Signature Kicks) may delay gratification.

Conclusion

The 2025 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions set is a collector’s dream, blending nostalgia, innovation, and premium content in a way that few trading card products can match. Its diverse checklist, extensive parallels, and unique inserts make it a standout release for 2025, appealing to both casual fans and hardcore collectors. Whether you’re chasing one-of-one parallels, rare autographs, or historical relics, this set offers a thrilling collecting experience with something for everyone.

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Checklist:

2025 Goodwin Champions Checklist - FINAL[1]