1980-81 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1980-81 Topps Basketball brought collectors the iconic Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rookie card. The trio-based vintage product includes multiple mini-card panels featuring NBA players.
1980-1989 Basketball Cards
Despite the growing popularity of basketball, the decade features inconsistent card production. Topps, which had produced consecutive basketball products since 1969-70 Topps Basketball, abruptly stopped after 1981-82 Topps Basketball. Star Company emerged to fill the void that was present until 1986-87 Fleer.
The scarcity of some of the earlier Star Co. releases, notably 1984-85 Star Basketball, combined with key NBA cards for big names like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan, have resulted in high values for many Star cards. 1986-87 Fleer Basketball marked the mainstream return of basketball cards and has proven to be one of the most popular sets in the history of the hobby. Lastly, a new product, 1989-90 Hoops, helped close out the decade.
Michael Jordan rules the basketball hobby, even today. It should come as no surprise that he is the top rookie option available in 1980s products, by a considerable margin. The next level consists of superstar players Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. They carried the sport through the early and mid-1980s and appear on the same rookie card. Other popular rookies from the decade include Charles Barkley, Akeem (Hakeem) Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen, Dominique Wilkins, Reggie Miller, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, Isaiah Thomas, John Stockton, and Clyde Drexler.
Featured 1980s Basketball Cards Guides
- Top 1980s Basketball Rookie Cards
- Why Many Sports Cards from the Late 1980s and Early 1990s Are Nearly Worthless
1980s Basketball Card Sets
Explore our database of 1980s Basketball Card Set Information. Each product profile features set checklists, product info, expert analysis, and deals on singles and boxes. Browse basketball cards from 1980-81, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1988-89, and 1989-90.
1981-82 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1981-82 Topps Basketball Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1983-84 Star Company Basketball Cards
By Trey Treutel
Headlined by the first NBA cards for Isiah Thomas and Clyde Drexler, 1983-84 Star Company Basketball was the earliest major NBA release from Star Co. and filled the void left by Topps’ exit from basketball cards.
1984-85 Star Company Basketball Cards
By Trey Treutel
1984-85 Star Company Basketball maintains a strong relevance in the hobby because of the impressive checklist. Offering the first NBA cards for Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley, this limited-run set remains very popular.
1986-87 Fleer Basketball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
One of the most important sets in the hobby, 1986-87 Fleer Basketball is headlined by the Michael Jordan rookie card. Other key RCs include Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing.
1987-88 Fleer Basketball Cards
By Trey Treutel
1987-88 Fleer Basketball was initially overlooked, but the NBA release has greatly increased in value and recognition over the years. Led by key cards for Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, sealed boxes are tough to find and very expensive.
1988-89 Fleer Basketball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1988-89 Fleer Basketball might not be one of the most attractive sets of all-time, but it boasts a potent lineup of rookie cards. John Stockton, Scottie Pippen and Reggie Miller are among those with rookies in the set.
1989-90 NBA Hoops Basketball Cards
By Trey Treutel
Led by the popular rookie card for David Robinson, 1989-90 NBA Hoops Basketball may not hold much value but its legacy with collectors remains intact.
