In the latest in a list of controversial moves that seem designed to make the Magic: The Gathering playerbase angrier by the day, Wizards of the Coast will end the Buy-a-Box promo program after Lorwyn Eclipsed, the MTG set that is set to be released in January 2026.
The news was included in the latest WPN update. The Wizards Play Network (WPN) is the global support program for local game stores that helps them run games and events, often by providing exclusive promos. One of these initiatives was the Buy-a-Box, a special card included with MTG booster boxes. At first, these were alternate art versions of cards included in the set, but then Wizards introduced exclusive cards only available as Buy-a-Box promos, which generated controversy because the power level of some of these (Nexus of Fate and Kenrith, The Returned King being prime examples) made them very sought-after.
Seventeen years after the start of this initiative, Lorwyn Eclipsed will be the final MTG set with Buy-a-Box promos. Wizards’ post doesn’t really explain the reason for this decision, but provides a vague promise of future initiatives: “We remain focused on investing in promotional programs and incentives that drive long-term growth and repeat play in stores. You will continue to see strong in-store support through initiatives that reward player engagement, spotlight new releases, and help you activate your local audience through in-store experiences.”
While it’s been a long time since Buy-a-Box promos were worth significant money, it’s still strange to see the program go away for apparently no reason. The extra, special card perhaps wouldn’t sell boxes by itself, but it was still a nice incentive to buy one. Also, there have been some exceptions in recent years, such as the Flutterstorm promo from Modern Horizons 3, which was a pricey card at the time of release and still sells for a respectable average of $6 at the time of writing.
It’s unclear what new “promotional programs and incentives” will follow, but one thing is for sure: Wizards of the Coast’s popularity among MTG players just took another hit.
