The NBA is introducing a new patch program for the upcoming season, with Fanatics/Topps bringing debut and gold logo patches to the league. Every rookie will wear a debut patch on their uniform, which will be removed after play and placed on a one-of-a-kind, on-card-autographed rookie card. The MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year will have their gold logo patches added to rare trading cards. This season's award winners are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephon Castle, and Evan Mobley. Fanatics Collectibles CEO, Michael Mahan, envisions the debut patch as a symbol of the next generational superstar, bringing achievement and success to trading cards. The company has previously implemented this program in Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, and is now expanding it to basketball. Josh Goodstadt, chief commercial officer of THINK450, believes the patches will enhance storytelling and fan engagement. Fanatics has a partnership with Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) for authentication. The company also signed LeBron James to a deal, marking a shift from his previous partnership with Upper Deck. Mahan expressed excitement about James' memorabilia, honoring the achievements of NBA stars across generations. He drew inspiration from Topps' celebration of Clayton Kershaw's 3,000 career strikeouts, creating one-of-a-kind autographs for the milestone. The NBA's new patch program aims to capture important moments in basketball history, providing collectors with a unique piece of each player's journey.
