Topps' First-Ever NBA Rookie Debut Patch Cards Feature Game-Worn Patches Authenticated by CGC

In early August, the 2025-26 Topps Chrome Update Basketball set hit shelves, showcasing the first-ever NBA Rookie Debut Patch Autograph cards. These cards include special patches worn by the 2025-26 rookie class that feature the word "DEBUT" running vertically down the right side of the classic NBA logo.

With a subset checklist headlined by young NBA stars like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and more, the one-of-one grails are the biggest chase of the entire NBA trading card year.

As part of the Debut Patch certification process, CGC’s third-party grading service authenticated the 99 game-worn patches in the subset.

Click images to enlarge.

After being worn in a player's NBA debut, the patches were authenticated by CGC, and a QR code sticker was added to the back of each patch so it can be scanned and confirmed authentic through the CGC Verify Certification tool. Upon release, the CGC-authenticated Debut Patches became part of the ultimate collectibles tied to the 2025-26 NBA season!

Rookie Patch Autos (RPAs) have become some of the most sought-after rarities in the hobby, with collectors often having to purchase high-end sets to chase the coveted cards. However, with Topps acquiring the official NBA licensing rights for cards once again last year, it is now inserting these remarkable RPAs to their flagship Chrome set, giving even more collectors an opportunity to pull a once-in-a-lifetime card.

Some of these cards have already been on display to the public, like the prized Debut Patch Auto of Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg. During Fanatics Fest in New York City on July 17, Flagg signed his one-of-one Debut Patch Auto live on-stage in front of the convention crowd.

Regaining the NBA’s fully licensed trading card rights for the first time since the 2009-10 season, the company has marked a new age for Topps Basketball cards with the help of CGC authentication. Now considered the hobby's premier rookie issues for basketball cards, the NBA Rookie Debut Patch Autographs are available to chase, and collectors can be at ease knowing they're just a quick scan away from confirming these cards as authentic — thanks to CGC.