The 10 most valuable pieces of basketball memorabilia sold at auction
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and over the years, there have been many iconic moments and players that have left a lasting impact on fans.
As a result, basketball memorabilia has become incredibly popular among collectors, with items ranging from game-worn jerseys to autographed basketballs fetching high prices at auction.
In this blog, we'll take a look at the 10 of the most valuable pieces of basketball memorabilia sold at auction.
1. Michael Jordan's game-worn sneakers from 1985
In 2020, a pair of Michael Jordan's game-worn sneakers from 1985 sold for a record-breaking $560,000 at auction. The shoes, which are the Air Jordan 1s that Jordan wore during his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, were sold by Sotheby's.
2. Michael Jordan's game-worn jersey from 1992
Another Michael Jordan item that sold for a high price at auction was his game-worn jersey from the 1992 Olympics. The jersey sold for $273,904 in 2020, making it the most expensive basketball jersey ever sold.
3. LeBron James' game-worn jersey from 2019
LeBron James' game-worn jersey from the 2019 NBA Finals sold for $630,000 at auction in 2021. The jersey is one of only two that James wore during the Finals, and it was the one he wore during the Lakers' Game 2 victory over the Miami Heat.
4. Kobe Bryant's game-worn sneakers from 2009
A pair of Kobe Bryant's game-worn sneakers from the 2009 NBA Finals sold for $240,000 in 2020. The sneakers were the Nike Kobe 4s that Bryant wore during Game 4 of the Finals against the Orlando Magic.
5. Stephen Curry's game-worn jersey from 2017
Stephen Curry's game-worn jersey from Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals sold for $135,000 in 2018. Curry wore the jersey during the Golden State Warriors' victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
6. Wilt Chamberlain's game-worn jersey from 1966
Wilt Chamberlain's game-worn jersey from the 1966 NBA Finals sold for $130,054 in 2016. The jersey was worn by Chamberlain during Game 5 of the Finals, which the Philadelphia 76ers won over the Boston Celtics.
7. Dr. J's game-worn jersey from 1980
Julius Erving, better known as Dr. J, wore a game-worn jersey during Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, which he won with the Philadelphia 76ers. The jersey sold for $190,414 in 2011.
8. Shaquille O'Neal's game-worn sneakers from 1992
A pair of Shaquille O'Neal's game-worn sneakers from his rookie season with the Orlando Magic sold for $35,000 in 2017. The sneakers were the Reebok Pump Shaq Attaq that O'Neal wore during his first NBA All-Star Game.
9. Magic Johnson's game-worn jersey from 1992
Magic Johnson's game-worn jersey from the 1992 All-Star Game sold for $130,000 in 2016. Johnson wore the jersey during the game, which was played in Orlando.
10. Larry Bird's game-worn sneakers from 1986 Larry Bird's game-worn sneakers from Game 6 of the 1986 NBA Finals sold for $66,000 in 2016.
The sneakers were the Converse Weapon Hi that Bird wore during the game, which the Boston Celtics won over the Houston Rockets
About your Author:
Adrian Roose has over 30 years’ experience covering all aspects of the rare stamp & memorabilia industry during which he has sold over £50m of unique items, helping build collections for Royalty, household name celebrities and 1,000s of collectors around the world.
Adrian was previously a Director at Stanley Gibbons, a Board Member of Stampex, and Executive Director of Paul Fraser Collectibles, PFC Auctions and JustCollecting, prior to founding The Memorabilia Club.