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A singular piece of basketball history has sold for nearly $13 million, highlighting the lasting appeal of sports memorabilia. The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card, signed by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, drew fierce competition among collectors eager to claim the one-of-a-kind item.
The card had been in the possession of its previous owner for more than a decade and was initially expected to fetch at least $6 million. Instead, 82 bids drove the final price to £9.56 million ($12.9 million), more than double the pre-auction estimate.
Record-breaking sale stuns collectors
Heritage Auctions, which managed the sale in the United States, confirmed the transaction to an anonymous buyer. Chris Ivy, Heritage’s director of sports auctions, called it “the finest modern basketball card in the world,” emphasizing its uniqueness: “Another one can’t be created. This has always been viewed by modern basketball collectors as a ‘holy grail.’”
He added, “The pre-auction estimate was $6 million-plus. So sometimes if a piece is unique like this, it’s really beneficial to let it have its day.” The sale overtook the record previously held by the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, which sold for $12.6 million in August 2022.
In the wider world of sports collectibles, it ranks as the second most expensive item ever, behind only the 1932 World Series “called the shot” jersey worn by baseball legend Babe Ruth, which fetched $24.12 million in August 2024.
Jordan, Bryant leave enduring cultural mark
Beyond the numbers, the auction reflected the lasting cultural impact of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Jordan, often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, remains a figure of global fascination, with influence that extends far beyond the court.
As a leading Black billionaire and global sports icon, his reach continues to grow. Bryant, who passed away tragically five years ago, is remembered not just for his skills but for the inspiration he left behind, commanding admiration from fans and peers alike.
Demand surges for rare memorabilia
The Jordan-Bryant card also highlights the growing demand for rare sports collectibles, where fans and collectors are willing to pay extraordinary sums to own a piece of history. This record-breaking sale underscores both the value of exceptional memorabilia and the enduring fascination with two of basketball’s most celebrated figures.
