Topps bringing Rookie Debut Patch, Logoman Patch to Topps Basketball with new NBA license
With Topps officially returning to basketball with the official launch of its new NBA trading card license, Topps is bringing its popular Rookie Debut Patch program to basketball, along with a new NBA Logoman Patch.
Topps’ partnership with the NBA and NBA Players Association will include a Topps’ Rookie Debut Patch and a new Gold NBA Logoman Patch when the regular season tips off on Oct. 21. The Rookie Debut Patch is a one-of-a-kind patch affixed to a player’s jersey during their debut game. The patch is later removed, authenticated and signed by the player before being inserted into a #1/1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card to be included in a future Topps product.
Topps' Rookie Debut Patch program has been immensely popular in MLB, producing several rookie chase cards that have sold for six figures, including Paul Skenes’ Rookie Debut Patch card that sold for $1.1 million.
Throughout the 2025-26 regular season, the jerseys of the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year will feature the Gold NBA Logoman Patch on the back that will inserted into trading cards. The Logoman program will continue for future seasons.
Fanatics officially announced Topps’ return to the NBA on Wednesday. Topps will produce officially licensed NBA trading cards for the first time since the 2009-10 season. Topps’ license begins with the launch of 2025-26 Topps Basketball, which will be released on Oct. 23 at Topps.com, hobby shops and major retailers worldwide.
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The 2025-26 Topps Basketball set will feature players from all 30 NBA teams, in addition to select NBA legends, including such Fanatics exclusive athletes such as LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, and Dylan Harper. Legends featured in the product include Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and more. Fanatics Collectibles has direct partnerships with more than 300 current and former NBA players and legends.
“At Fanatics Collectibles, everything we do is driven by our passion for the hobby via an unwavering commitment to enhancing the collector experience and today is a monumental moment for our company as we launch our new license with the NBA and NBPA,” Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan said. “Beginning with the 1-of-1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph cards and limited-edition Gold NBA Logoman Patch cards, we are constantly iterating on innovative and interactive ways with which we can deliver new and unique card formats. These then become collectibles to chase, cherish, and provide the current generation of fans and collectors with excitement, and will also propel a new generation of fans by providing more tangible ways for them to feel closer to their favorite NBA stars than ever before.”
“The NBA’s partnership with Fanatics Collectibles and the return of Topps to the NBA trading card space reflects an evolution in how we engage fans and approach the collectibles market,” said Matt Holt, executive vice president, head of merchandising artnerships, NBA. “These cards connect physical memorabilia with storytelling and underscore our commitment to delivering immersive and meaningful experiences for fans and collectors alike.”
“The NBPA’s partnership with Fanatics Collectibles brings to life the collective influence of our players,” said Josh Goodstadt, chief commercial officer at THINK450, the licensing, partnership, and innovation arm of the NBPA. “Topps has such a rich history in sports memorabilia and speaks to some of the most engaged fans who feel connected to players through trading cards.”
Topps and the NBA are hosting a series of fan celebrations at NBA stores across the word to tip off the NBA season and Topps’ return. Events in New York, Los Angeles, Paris and the Fanatics store in London will feature giveaways and more surprises for basketball fans.
Topps Digital will release NBA Collect by Topps® (play.toppsapps.com/app/nba), the official digital trading card app of the NBA and NBPA, on Nov. 5 in the App Store and Google Play Store. NBA Collect brings Topps NBA trading card collections to life with interactive features that connect cards to the action on the court.