Topps Brings Rookie Debut and Gold Logoman Programs to NBA Cards
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Topps is taking two of its biggest innovations from baseball and bringing them courtside for the 2025–26 NBA season. Fanatics confirmed that both the Rookie Debut Patch and Gold Logoman programs will debut in basketball, continuing the company’s push to connect game-used memorabilia directly to trading cards.
The Rookie Debut Patch has already become one of the most talked about additions to the hobby. Each rookie wears a special patch on their uniform for just one game—their professional debut. That exact patch is later authenticated and embedded into a one-of-one card that can never be recreated. Since launching in Major League Baseball in 2023, it’s expanded into MLS, WWE, and UFC, with each sport seeing record-breaking sales. The most famous example is Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, whose debut patch card sold to Dick’s Sporting Goods for $1.1 million.
Basketball now becomes the next stage in the evolution of the program. The 2025 NBA Draft class, led by Cooper Flagg, gives the concept instant star power and collector hype. His eventual Rookie Debut Patch card will likely be one of the most coveted new cards of the season. Fanatics hasn’t yet revealed which Topps release will include the new NBA debut patches, but history suggests Topps Chrome Basketball would be the natural fit after the success of Chrome Update in baseball.
Alongside the rookie patches, Topps is introducing Gold Logoman patches for award winners from the 2024–25 NBA season. Players earning major honors will wear a special golden version of the NBA logo on their jerseys this year, and those patches will later be placed into Topps cards. That includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as MVP, Stephon Castle as Rookie of the Year, and Evan Mobley as Defensive Player of the Year.
The Gold Logoman program first appeared in baseball earlier this year, featuring 1/1 cards and autographed editions that became instant chase items. Expect similar treatment in basketball, where the combination of game-worn gold patches and on-card autographs could turn these cards into some of the most desirable of the season.
Both programs fit into Fanatics’ long-term plan to make collecting more connected to the games themselves. By tying specific moments and awards directly to authenticated memorabilia, Topps is giving collectors a level of authenticity and exclusivity that few products can match. With the debut of Rookie Debut Patches and Gold Logomans in basketball, the 2025–26 NBA card season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.
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