In 2009, in an attempt to bolster sales of the booster boxes, Wizards introduced the Buy-A-Box program. Cards were printed often as reprints or variant art styles and sometimes as unique cards to the set. They were given out to anyone who purchased a full booster box as a fun way to say thank you. Because stores would sell packs from the booster boxes individually, Buy-A-Box promos would still find their way into circulation, often being sold as singles. According to an update to stores from Wizards Play Network, this program is soon coming to an end.
January of 2026 will see Magic: The Gathering return to Lorwyn with Lorwyn Eclipsed. It will also be the last time that a full booster box sale will come with a Buy-A-Box promotional card. While no specific reason was given, WPN stated “Following careful review, this program will conclude with Lorwyn Eclipsed, the final set to provide Buy-a-Box promos.”
It’s important to note that while most of the cards offered in the Buy-A-Box program were reprints, or variant card arts of other cards in the same set, there have been times when the Buy-A-Box program actually changed the landscape of competitive formats in Magic. In Core Set 2019, Nexus of Fate became a powerful card in Standard though it was difficult to obtain thanks to it only being available as a Buy-A-Box promo card. Another example was Kenrith, the Returned King from Throne of Eldraine. Kenrith became popular in Commander where his five activated abilities gave him identity with each of MTG’s colors.
Nothing has officially been announced to replace the Buy-A-Box program but WPN said in part “You will continue to see strong in-store support through initiatives that reward player engagement…” Lorwyn Eclipsed, the last set to support the program, officially releases on January 23, 2026.
Comments