26/08/2025
$12.9 million is the new standard when it comes to sports cards, and the world has Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan to thank.
The 1-of-1 card signed by both legends included the actual NBA logo patches taken from each player’s game-worn jerseys.
The 2008 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection card appropriately sold on Kobe Day, August 24 - or 8/24 - the 2 numbers worn by the Mamba during his NBA career.
The day before, bidding had already topped the all-time record for a basketball card, set by Steph Curry’s 2009 Panini at $5.9 million.
But overnight, the bidding more than doubled, eventually bought by “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary and 2 of his partners.
The previous record for any sports card was $12.6 million for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie in 2022.
Is $12.9 million a good deal, or did O’Leary overpay?