Ohio sports fans, get ready to see something shiny this season, because Evan Mobley is officially entering the rare air of NBA greatness. When he steps onto the floor for the 2025-26 season, he’ll be rocking one of the most exclusive symbols in the league: the brand-new “Gold NBA Logoman patch,” stitched right on the back of his jersey. Only three players in the entire NBA get to wear it, and Mobley is one of them.
That’s right, According to Newsweek, joining him in gold are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s reigning MVP, and Stephon Castle, the Rookie of the Year. Not bad company for the Ohio big man. This isn’t just a patch, it’s a status symbol. It tells the world: This player was the absolute best at what they do. In Mobley’s case? It confirms what Cavs fans already knew: he’s the most dominant defender in the league.
Mobley captured the 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the Cavs in blocks, defensive rating, and overall two-way impact. He didn’t need to score 30 a night. He just changed games, by erasing them. His seven-foot frame and switchability made him the anchor of one of the NBA’s most disciplined defenses. He guarded point guards, wings, centers, it didn’t matter. He was everywhere. This wasn’t just about stats. It was about presence. And his presence elevated Cleveland back into Eastern Conference relevance.
Ohio Loves Some Evan Mobley!
The organization has said it over and over: Mobley is the centerpiece of the Cavaliers’ long-term vision. This gold patch pretty much seals that. This new honor is part of a major rollout from the NBA, Topps, and Fanatics Collectibles, who are teaming up to merge memorabilia with storytelling. This is the first time since 2010 that Topps is back as the NBA’s official trading card partner, and they’re coming in swinging.
The gold patches worn by Mobley, SGA, and Castle will be removed, authenticated, and inserted into one-of-one trading cards. Yes, you read that right. The actual patch from the actual jersey. These are going to be some of the most exclusive collectibles in basketball history.
Matt Holt, NBA Executive Vice President and Head of Merchandising Partnerships, explained the vision:
“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 called the rollout a “monumental moment” and said, “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 more tangible ways for them to feel closer to their favorite NBA stars than ever before.” Translation: collectors are going to go wild, and Evan Mobley’s patch is going to be gold in more ways than one.
Can Evan Mobley Become The Main Guy?
The NBA is taking cues from baseball’s gold Batterman logo and the MLB “Rookie Debut” patch program. Those debut patch cards? They’ve gone for millions. Literally. One from Paul Skenes sold for over $1 million this year. So don’t be shocked if Mobley’s defensive greatness ends up becoming a seven-figure card someday. He’s officially collectible. The fans are loving this as well! This is the “Best change the NBA has done in a while” wrote one via X. These are “Pretty cool,” stated another. Finally, one other said, “Can’y wait to start looking for these!”
For Cleveland, this goes beyond hype. Mobley’s gold patch is a visual reminder: the rebuild worked. Drafted third overall in 2021, Mobley became the defensive anchor the franchise desperately needed. His versatility has drawn comparisons to modern legends of rim protection, and now he’s standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the league’s brightest stars. His individual honor reflects the identity of the team, disciplined, balanced, and elite on defense.
When the season tips off, fans across the NBA will see the Gold Logoman patches on just three players. But in Cleveland, it means a little more. It’s pride, validation, and motivation. Mobley’s patch isn’t just a trophy…it’s a target.
Every offensive star in the league now officially knows: if you’re going to the rim against Ohio’s Cleveland Cavaliers, you’re going through Evan Mobley. And good luck with that. The 2025-26 season is coming. The patch is gold, and the standard? Even higher.
