A unique Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant trading card has set a new record in the sports card world, becoming the most expensive card ever sold. The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman card, featuring autographs and pieces of game-worn jerseys from both basketball legends, fetched a staggering $12.932 million at a recent auction held by Heritage Auctions. This sale marks a significant milestone, as it surpasses previous all-time records for both basketball cards and many notable baseball cards.
### Key Highlights of the Sale
The card’s auction value was initially estimated at $6 million, suggesting a surprising outcome and underlining the intense demand for collectible sports memorabilia. The Dual Logoman card not only highlights the talents of Jordan and Bryant but also symbolizes their enduring legacy in basketball. Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions at Heritage, described it as “the finest modern basketball card in the world,” emphasizing its desirability among collectors.
Several significant sales previously held the record for sports cards, including the T-206 Honus Wagner card, which sold for $6.6 million in one instance and $7.25 million in another. Additionally, the only 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card in Mint-Plus condition previously sold for $12.6 million. Yet, none of these cards could withstand the competitive nature of the modern sports card market, which has shifted towards basketball cards and contemporary players.
### Previous Record Holders
Prior to this monumental sale, the record for any known basketball card sale was held by a one-of-a-kind Stephen Curry card that sold for $5.9 million in a private transaction. The previous highest public auction price for a basketball card was set in 2022 by a Luka Dončić card, which sold for $3.12 million. Jordan himself held the highest-priced card within the basketball category, selling a one-of-a-kind Logoman card in June 2024 for $2.93 million.
Kobe Bryant’s highest recorded sale before this auction was from earlier this month, when his unique Panini Flawless Logoman autographed card sold for $2.3 million. The recent jump in value for cards related to both players illustrates their lasting impact and appeal in the sports collectibles market.
### The Impact on the Sports Card Market
This historic sale emphasizes the evolving landscape of sports collectibles. Traditionally dominated by baseball cards, the market has seen a pronounced shift towards basketball memorabilia. The Jordan/Bryant card’s extraordinary sale price exemplifies the increasing value attributed to modern cards, particularly those that feature unique elements like Logoman patches.
According to Card Ladder, an organization that tracks trading card sales, the list of the most expensive sports cards has recently changed considerably. The new ranking stands as follows:
1. 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman autograph PSA 6 — $12.932 million (Heritage, Aug. 24, 2025)
2. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 SGC 9.5 — $12.6 million (Heritage, Aug. 28, 2022)
3. 1909 Sweet Caporal T-206 Honus Wagner SGC 2 — $7.25 million (private sale, Aug. 4, 2022)
4. 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth Rookie SGC 3 — $7.2 million (REA, Dec. 3, 2023)
5. 1909 Sweet Caporal T-206 Honus Wagner SGC 3 — $6.6 million (REA, Aug. 15, 2021)
This shift in the rankings highlights how contemporary stars can eclipse long-standing records set by historically significant figures in sports.
### Collectors’ Perspective
The sale of the Dual Logoman card showcases a significant trend in the preferences of collectors. Cards that feature memorabilia, particularly those that are unique or rare, are becoming highly sought after. Each facet of the card—its rarity, its provenance, and the legacy of the athletes involved—contributes to its exponentially increasing value.
Adding to its intrigue is the fact that this is the only Dual Logoman card featuring both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Such exclusivity boosts its value, not just as a collectible, but also as a piece of sports history. Cards like this one are a testament to the mark these two players have left on the sport, bridging generations of basketball fans.
### Current Market Trends
The sports card market’s resilience and growth show no signs of slowing down. Research indicates that Michael Jordan remains the most searched athlete on platforms like eBay, with total sales from his cards amounting to over $34 million from January through July 2025. In the same period, Kobe Bryant’s cards have generated over $15 million in sales.
These statistics reveal not only ongoing interest in these athletes’ cards but also highlight their standings in pop culture. Despite the ups and downs of the economic landscape, the sports memorabilia market appears to withstand the test of time, with collectors and investors increasingly willing to spend far beyond previous limits.
### Conclusion
The sale of the Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman card serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy and superstar status of these two basketball icons. Setting records and breaking boundaries, this historic transaction reshapes the landscape of sports memorabilia and underscores the significance of basketball cards in culture and society. As the market evolves, it will be fascinating to observe how future sales develop and what new records will be established in the thrilling world of sports collectibles.
Through this landmark sale, it is clear that the passion for collecting sports cards is far from waning—rather, it is evolving, compelling a new generation of fans to invest in their heroes, one card at a time.
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