Michael Jordan-Kobe Bryant Card Shatters Auction Record at $12.9M

A signed sports collectible card featuring basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant sold for an astonishing $12.932 million on Saturday night, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a sports card. The card, part of the 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs, is unique as it is numbered 1-of-1 and surpasses the previous record held by a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, which sold for $12.6 million in August 2022.

The auction took place at Heritage Auctions, but the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed. This card now ranks as the second-most expensive sports collectible ever, trailing only behind Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series “called shot” jersey, which fetched $24.12 million nearly a year ago.

Significance of the Sale

Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions at Heritage, reflected on the significance of the Exquisite Collection, stating, “When Upper Deck first released Exquisite, it was priced at $500 for one five-card pack/box.” This collection was responsible for the record-breaking sale of a $5.2 million LeBron James rookie card, which held the title of the most expensive basketball card until this recent auction.

Ivy noted that the demand for premium collectibles has evolved. “Exquisite paved the way for modern card collectors,” he emphasized, explaining that the card’s unique features, including patches and signatures, set a high standard. The Jordan-Bryant card is particularly special as it features autographs of both players alongside jersey logos, making it a coveted item among collectors.

Despite receiving a grade of 6 from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), the card’s rarity played a significant role in its value. Ivy explained that “grades matter as far as pricing goes for standard-issue cards, but this is a 1-of-1, so the grade is less important overall.” For context, a regularly graded 1986 Fleer Jordan card in grade 6 sells for a few thousand dollars, while a grade 10 can command nearly $200,000.

Market Dynamics and Authenticity

The card’s consignment process began in February, with the previous owner holding onto it for over a decade. They had declined multiple “high seven-figure” private offers, choosing instead to put it up for auction, where Heritage predicted it would exceed $5 million. “The pre-auction estimate was $6 million plus, so unique pieces like this benefit from open bidding,” Ivy explained.

The sale’s timing also coincided with the ongoing Brett Lemieux fraudulent memorabilia scandal, which has heightened the desire for verified items. Ivy reassured potential buyers about the authenticity of the Jordan-Bryant card, stating, “Upper Deck has Jordan under contract; he’s been with them for decades. Kobe was with Upper Deck until 2009.” The direct involvement of the athletes in signing the item adds a layer of trust.

As the market for Kobe Bryant collectibles remains robust, this week has been particularly notable. High-end collector Matt Allen, known as Shyne on social media, revealed that he privately acquired $4 million worth of signed Panini Flawless Logoman cards from Bryant just before the auction, including a 2017-18 card for $1.7 million and a 2015-16 card for $2.3 million. These transactions highlight the strong demand for Bryant memorabilia, especially as Saturday marked what would have been his 47th birthday.

The record-breaking sale of the Jordan-Bryant card underscores the growing intersection of sports, art, and investment, as collectors are increasingly willing to pay top dollar for unique and authenticated items. The auction’s outcome not only reflects the enduring legacy of these basketball legends but also the evolving landscape of sports collectibles.