Paul Skenes’ autographed Rookie debut patch card sold for over $1 million. Can Cooper Flagg’s card surpass it?
Beginner patches are about to change the hobby again, only this time in the NBA.
Fanatics recently announced that it will include Rookie debut patches for players starting next NBA season.
Even though the season hasn’t started yet, the hunt has already begun for the most coveted of all those NBA Rookie Debut Patch cards: Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks.
Announcement
The Rookie Debut Patch autographed card has already become one of the most collectible modern cards. In March, Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes’ MLB rookie debut autographed patch card sold for $1.1 million at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
That sale turned a lot of heads, bringing modern baseball card collecting, a space long dominated by vintage cards, into the spotlight.
The question as we approach the NBA season: Can Flagg’s Rookie Debut Patch card beat that number?
It’s entirely possible.
There are a couple of things that could boost Flagg’s card over Skenes’ record.
The first is the international appeal of the NBA. It has a huge following around the world, especially in Asia, where many of the most sought-after NBA cards have ended up.
Announcement
The league has held preseason games in Asia since 2004, including two games in Macau this year in conjunction with the Asia Sports Collectors Convention (ASCC). The ASCC’s special guest signees were also overwhelmingly former NBA stars, including Dwyane Wade, Stephon Marbury and Kevin Garnett.
Topps added another international layer last week, launching its first NBA product in 15 years – NBA Match Attax 2025-26 – exclusively in China.
Another factor: Many of the best-selling modern cards have been basketball cards. Of the top five sales so far in 2025, they have all been modern NBA cards, with four of five sold privately.
Those cards ranged from $2.3 million to $12.9 million and included some of the NBA’s all-time greats, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Announcement
Adding the layers of a robust international market and private collectors looking for high-end cards, there may be a person or group willing to bet on Flagg Rookie’s debut autographed patch when it hits the market later this season.
The NBA kicks off the 2025-26 season on Oct. 21, with Flagg and the Mavericks’ first game coming on Oct. 22. It’s safe to say that many eyes will be on that match as fans wait to see what the new rookie can do.
If Flagg lives up to expectations, don’t be surprised if his card becomes the most expensive Rookie Debut Patch card ever.