Many sports fans will spare no expense to have memorabilia from one of their favorite players or teams, and basketball fans are no exception.
Basketball-themed stuff has appeared in pretty much every form and medium imaginable, from fanny packs to hanging baskets to slot games at casinos. From jerseys to sneakers, player cards to even historical written rules, hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars are spent at auctions and through private brokers on highly coveted items.
In some instances, the same items are sold several times, with their value increasing as they are sold through the years or featured in documentaries or on magazine covers.
Let’s have a look at some of the priciest basketball memorabilia through the years.
Michael Jordan’s game-worn 1998 NBA Finals jersey
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Known for being part of the Chicago Bulls’ iconic “Dream Team,” the jersey he wore during his “last dance” with the team sold for a jaw-dropping $10.1 million at auction in 2022.
Stephen Curry’s 2009-10 rookie card
Regarded by many as the NBA’s best 3-point shooter of all time, Stephen Curry’s 2009/10 playoff rookie card was sold for a whopping $5.9 million. While he hasn’t led the league in 3-point shooting percentages, he regularly finishes in the top 10. He’s also won two Most Valuable Player awards and four NBA championships.
Signed Kobe Bryant 2007-08 MVP jersey
Kobe Bryant died in January 2020 with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant in a tragic helicopter crash. Before his passing, he was widely considered one of the NBA’s top players, praised for his relentless drive, complex footwork, and scoring ability. He remains an inspiration to fans around the world for his positive attitude and perseverance. His 2007-08 MVP jersey sold for $5.8 million at auction.
LeBron James high school basketball jersey
LeBron James is another legendary name in professional basketball, and his high school jersey sold for $1.3 million at the Julien’s Auction in 2024. It is the most money paid for a high school basketball jersey. The jersey gained attention after it graced the 2022 cover of Sports Illustrated with the title of “The Chosen One.” Since his introduction to the league, he’s amassed a huge fan base, earning four Most Valuable Player awards, four championship titles, and even acting in several films. He’s best known for his long run with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBron James’ rookie card
Fans will pay top dollar for any memorabilia worn or commemorating the finest player to ever lace up for the Cavaliers. A 2003/04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie card he signed sold for an impressive $5.2 million, breaking a record for the most expensive basketball cards sold.
Wilt Chamberlain’s 1972 Finals jersey
Wilt Chamberlain’s jersey when he led the Los Angeles Lakers to victory over the New York Knicks sold for $4.9 million, setting the record for a pre-worn vintage jersey. He wore it in games two and five of the finals against the New York Knicks. His performance in the series earned him the Most Valuable Player award. Each game, he averaged 14.8 points and 23.2 rebounds.
Dr. James Naismith’s basketball rules
A historic document explaining the 13 rules of basketball sold for a whopping $4.3 million at auction. James Naismith wrote the rules over a century ago, in 1891, aiming to create a new indoor winter sport for the YMCA training class he taught in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was born in Ontario, Canada and studied at McGill University in Quebec.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar memorabilia for charity
All the memorabilia worn or owned by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that was sold at a charity auction went for just shy of $3 million. Kareem, who led the NBA in scoring for 20 seasons, also received six Most Valuable Player titles and several other accolades, as well as six NBA championships. Furthermore, he remains the NBA’s highest scorer. Some of the memorabilia sold at the auction included his 1986-87 championship ring with the Los Angeles Lakers. The ring was sold for $398,937.50—the highest price among any of the items at the auction.
Luca Doncic’s rookie card
Luca Doncic’s rookie card sold for $3.12 million in 2022, setting a record for the most paid for a basketball card at a public auction (LeBron’s card still holds the record for the priciest card sold privately through PWCC Marketplace). The 2018-19 National Treasures RPA (rookie patch autograph) card features a player-worn NBA shield logo and an autograph.
Michael Jordan 1997 NBA Finals “Flu Game”
Basketball shoes are known to cost a pretty penny these days. However, Michael Jordan’s iconic “flu game” kicks sold for over an eye-watering million bucks at auction.
Jordan’s iconic black-and-red size-twelve sneakers snatched an impressive $1.38 million at auction, owing to the legend’s performance against the Utah Jazz, where he wasn’t feeling particularly well. Fans and commentators speculated that he likely had the flu or another type of sickness and was playing through it in Game 5 of the NBA finals. It turned out Jordan was suffering from food poisoning that he likely got from pizza he’d ordered to his hotel room.
Magic Johnson’s 1980 NBA Finals jersey
The signed jersey Magic Johnson wore playing as a rookie with the Lakers during the 1980 finals sold for a staggering $1.5 million. Johnson scored 42 points and had 15 rebounds and seven assists during the title game, taking the Lakers to their first NBA championship in eight years.
