2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions features original 1990s designers for the all-new multi-sport set.
The debut product from Upper Deck pairs popular inserts and parallels of the past with a checklist similar to Goodwin Champions, which highlights athletes across a variety of sports.
2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Base / Parallels
Offering 150 cards in the base set, the main look for 2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions comes from Arena Design (Earl Arena and Jean MacLeod). The husband-and-wife team is known for the iconic 1997-98 Metal Universe Basketball set.
This includes 50 cards in the high-series Metalized subset (#101-150), falling 1:2 packs. The base lineup expands via six Precious Metal Gems (PMG) parallels.
2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Base Precious Metal Gems Parallels Breakdown
- Red PMG - #/150
- Orange PMG - #/100
- Pink PMG - #/75
- Blue PMG - #/25
- Green PMG - #/10
- Purple PMG -1/1
- Red PMG - #/150
- Orange PMG - #/100
- Pink PMG - #/75
- Blue PMG - #/25
- Green PMG - #/10
- Purple PMG -1/1
2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Inserts
Next up, the 2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions checklist looks to inserts. Blast Furnace (1:6 packs) turns up the heat for top stars with base and Gold (#/25) cards, while Fresh Foundation (1:2 packs) highlights rising standouts and Platinum Portrait (1:1,200 packs) celebrates key names.
2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Precious Metal Gems Insert Parallels Breakdown
- Red PMG - #/150
- Orange PMG - #/100
- Pink PMG - #/75
- Blue PMG - #/25
- Green PMG - #/10
- Purple PMG -1/1
- Red PMG - #/100 (90 copies - #11-100/100)
- Green PMG - #/100 (10 copies - #1-10/100)
Other inserts to chase include Arc Weld (1:13 packs) with Gold (#/25) parallels, and Intimidation Nation (1:8 packs).
In addition, Skybox Premium (1:5 packs) fans can chase Star Diamonds (1/1) parallels and 1997-98 Skybox Premium Star Rubies (#/50) editions.
2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Skybox Premium Parallels Breakdown
- Star Topaz - #/150
- Star Rubies - #/100
- Star Sapphire - #/75
- Star Emerald - #/25
- Star Amethyst - #/10
- Star Diamonds - 1/1
- 1997-98 Retro Star Rubies - #/50
Yet another legendary line is in play with Jambalaya (1:132 packs). Utilizing "lenticular foil treatment," the rare insert is only for all-time greats.
Combining to average one per box, three-sided perimeter die-cut sets consist of A Cut Above (1:38 packs), for all-time greats in the base set, and Reaching for the Stars (1:25 packs), which features top basketball and football stars.
2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Autographs
Although autographs are fairly rare in 2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions, fans can find versions from the base and insert lineup.
2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Autographs Rundown
Base Autographs
- Base Auto - 1:50
- Base Gold Auto - #/25
- Metalized Auto - 1:240
- Metalized Gold Auto - #/10
Insert Autographs
- Blast Furnace Gold Auto - 1:1,680
- Fresh Foundation Auto - #'d
- Fresh Foundation Gold Auto - #/10
- Intimidation Nation Auto - 1:960
- Skybox Premium 1997-98 Retro Star Rubies Auto - 1:240
Release Date: September 14, 2022
Product Configuration: 7 cards per pack, 15 packs per box
2021 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Hobby Box Break Average
- 1 Autograph, PMG, Rare Insert and/or Low-#’d Parallel
- 3 Base Set Retro 1997-98 Cards
- 6 Inserts (Arc Weld, Intimidation Nation and/or Blast Furnace)
- 3 Skybox Premium Inserts
- 1 Reaching for the Stars or A Cut Above Card