Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant sign the Holy Grail of modern collecting

In the world of sports memorabilia, there are moments that redefine the game. Last Saturday, Heritage Auctions delivered one of those moments. A basketball card sold for a jaw-dropping $12.93 million. And it wasn’t just any card—it was a dual Logoman from the 2007–08 Exquisite Collection. It features autographs from Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, along with patches from game-worn jerseys. A true gem. Literally: there’s only one like it.

The news, first reported by EssentiallySports, sent shockwaves through collectors and fans alike. Some hailed the sale as the ultimate validation of the hobby. Others slammed it as “shameful,” questioning whether that kind of money could’ve gone to more meaningful causes. But beyond the ethical debate, the transaction rewrote the rules—and put Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant squarely in the spotlight.

Top of the rankings

The Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant card now sits above the legendary 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, which sold for $12.6 million in 2022. Only Babe Ruth’s “called shot” jersey, valued at over $24 million, ranks higher among the most expensive sports collectibles ever sold.

🚨 RECORD SALE! Featuring the 2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Kobe Bryant/Michael Jordan Dual Logoman Autographs 1/1, graded PSA 6; sold for a record-high $12,932,000 with Heritage Auctions — making it the current highest sold sports card of all time! pic.twitter.com/2pN0Hcgrtj

— Cardhedger (@cardhedger) August 24, 2025

What’s wild is that the Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant card received a PSA grade of just 6. In most cases, that would be considered low. But with a one-of-one featuring two of basketball’s most iconic names, technical grading takes a back seat. As Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, explained, the value lies in rarity and symbolism—not condition.

Luxury sports cards

Upper Deck’s Exquisite line, launched in 2003, was a game-changer in elevating sports cards to luxury status. Today, sets like Panini Flawless and National Treasures carry that torch, with boxes priced over $3,000 and individual cards fetching millions. In that landscape, the Michael Jordan / Kobe Bryant Logoman stands as the pinnacle of modern collecting.

Kobe Bryant’s passing in 2020 added emotional weight to his memorabilia. Just weeks ago, collector Matt Allen spent over $4 million on two “Black Mamba” Logomans. It’s proof that the market values legacy as much as rarity. And Michael Jordan? His name still commands global attention and premium prices.

Market manipulation?

And what about the backlash? Some critics point to possible market manipulation. Ghost bidding scandals have tainted other auction houses. But Heritage operates on consignment, which lowers the risk of shady practices. This sale was legit, and the buyer now owns a Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant piece many call the Holy Grail of basketball cards.

In a time when alternative assets—art, wine, crypto—fill investment portfolios, sports cards have carved out their own lane. And when the cardboard carries the signatures of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, it’s not just an investment—it’s encapsulated history.

This sale is about more than millions. It’s about how two legends continue to make history, even on paper. Because while some argue it was excessive, others just go back and watch the highlights of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.