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Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Lakers
Aug 24, 2025 2:06 PM EDT
In the world of sports memorabilia, a single card has just rewritten history. On Sunday, Heritage Auctions confirmed that a rare Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant card sold for an astounding $12.932 million, making it the most expensive sports card ever sold.
This card, part of the 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection, is a Dual Logoman Autographs card signed by both legends. It shattered the previous record set in 2022 when a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card went for $12.6 million.
This sale is more than just another high-priced collectible. It represents the enduring impact of Jordan and Bryant, two athletes who defined what basketball greatness looked like in their respective eras. Collectors see items tied to these icons as more than investments.
They are cultural artifacts, blending history, emotion and legacy into one piece of memorabilia. The record-breaking sale shows how strong the market remains for basketball’s biggest icons.
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Michael Jordan’s Lasting Impact
Michael Jordan remains the standard by which nearly every basketball player is measured. His career with the Chicago Bulls included six NBA championships, five MVP awards and a style of play that turned basketball into a global spectacle.
Beyond the numbers, Jordan’s influence extended into fashion, culture and branding. His Air Jordan sneakers reshaped the business side of sports and continue to dominate decades later.
For collectors, Jordan items carry a weight that goes beyond nostalgia. They symbolize the era when basketball became international, and Jordan himself became a household name. The fact that his signature anchors half of this record-breaking card only increases its value.
Kobe Bryant’s Enduring Legacy
Kobe Bryant’s story adds even more emotional weight to the card. A five-time NBA champion and former MVP, Bryant followed in Jordan’s footsteps while building his own identity as one of the fiercest competitors the sport has ever seen. His “Mamba Mentality” philosophy inspired not only basketball players but athletes across all sports.
Since his tragic passing in 2020, demand for Kobe-related memorabilia has only grown, driven by the desire to honor his memory and celebrate his achievements. His presence on this card alongside Jordan makes it a unique symbol of the bridge between two generations of basketball excellence.
Parallels Between Jordan and Bryant
The pairing of Jordan and Bryant on one card is more than a marketing choice. It represents the natural parallels between their careers. Both were shooting guards with unmatched footwork, relentless drive and the ability to dominate in clutch moments.
Bryant modeled much of his game after Jordan, even borrowing some of his signature moves. Yet Kobe also created his own legacy, ensuring his place in basketball history.
For fans and collectors, this dual autograph card captures the passing of the torch between two of the greatest to ever play. It is a reminder of how their careers intersected and how both men left lasting marks on the sport.
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant (24) and Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (30).
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant (24) and Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (30). — Source: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
What this Sale Means
This record sale reflects the cultural weight of basketball’s biggest names. Sports cards have long been a way to preserve history, but the fact that a Jordan-Bryant card now holds the record speaks volumes.
It shows the passion of collectors, the timeless appeal of these legends and the growing value of basketball in the global sports market.
The $12.932 million price tag makes sure this card will be remembered not only for its rarity but also as a snapshot of how deeply Jordan and Bryant continue to influence fans worldwide.
About the Author
Rodney Knuppel
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Rodney Knuppel is a contributing writer to the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.