Copyright Newsweek
When Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley takes the court for the 2025-26 NBA season, he will do so with a rare symbol of excellence stitched to the back of his jersey. Mobley is one of only three players in the league who will wear the new Gold NBA Logoman patch, an honor reserved for last season’s Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year. The recognition places Mobley alongside Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, and San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year. The gold emblem celebrates their standout seasons while also marking the debut of a new initiative from the NBA, Topps, and Fanatics Collectibles that merges memorabilia with storytelling. Mobley’s inclusion in the program follows a season where his defensive dominance anchored Cleveland’s rise in the Eastern Conference. The 7-footer earned the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the Cavaliers in blocks, defensive rating, and overall impact on both ends. His performance reaffirmed his place as the centerpiece of Cleveland’s long-term vision, one built around his elite versatility and ability to change games without needing to score. More NBA news: Cavaliers’ Darius Garland Launches Off Court, a New Athlete-Driven Platform More NBA news: Cavaliers to Bring Back Fan-Favorite Classic Blue Uniforms The Gold Logoman program represents Topps’ return as the NBA’s official trading card partner for the first time since 2010. Fanatics Collectibles, which owns Topps, launched the initiative to celebrate players’ achievements while creating new opportunities for collectors. The gold patches from Mobley, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Castle’s jerseys will later be authenticated and inserted into one-of-a-kind trading cards, making them among the most exclusive collectibles in basketball history. “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 Partnerships, NBA. “These cards connect physical memorabilia with storytelling and underscore our commitment to delivering immersive and meaningful experiences for fans and collectors alike.” Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan described the rollout as a “monumental moment” for both the NBA and collectors. "We are constantly iterating on innovative and interactive ways with which we can deliver new and unique card formats," said Mahan. "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.” Mobley’s Gold Logoman patch is the basketball equivalent of Major League Baseball’s gold Batterman logo, worn by the league’s MVP and Cy Young winners. The NBA’s version also joins a new “Rookie Debut” patch program, which will see first-year players wear a special patch in their first game before it is removed and placed into a one-of-one autographed Topps trading card. The program’s combination of sports tradition and collector culture has already drawn strong interest. Similar memorabilia in other sports, such as MLB’s debut patches, have fetched impressive sums on the secondary market. A comparable patch card from Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes sold for more than $1 million earlier this year. For Cleveland fans, Mobley’s gold patch is a reflection of his continued growth into a franchise cornerstone. Since being drafted third overall in 2021, he has become the Cavaliers’ defensive anchor and a model of consistency. His ability to guard multiple positions and protect the rim has earned comparisons to some of the league’s best interior defenders of the modern era. Mobley’s distinction not only celebrates his individual achievement but also cements Cleveland’s reputation as one of the NBA’s most disciplined and balanced defensive units. His recognition places him in the same conversation as the league’s brightest stars and offers a symbolic reminder of how far the Cavaliers have come since rebuilding around their young core. The 2025-26 NBA season will showcase the new Gold Logoman patches on courts across the league, but for Cleveland, it carries extra significance. Mobley’s gold emblem will serve as both a trophy and a target, representing the league’s highest defensive honor and a reminder that the Cavaliers’ success continues to be built on his steady, golden standard of excellence. More NBA news: Cavaliers’ Darius Garland Gets Encouraging Update on Recovery
