From Autographs to Auction Records: Players Driving the Sports Memorabilia Boom
Sports memorabilia of all types has long held sentimental value for fans. But in recent years, memorabilia and collectibles have transformed into a booming investment market that’s drawn the attention of investors who may have typically focused on fine art and antiques.
Because of this trend, game-worn jerseys, autographed collectibles, and rare and highly graded trading cards are fetching record-breaking prices at auctions, with values skyrocketing for items linked to legendary athletes — or GOATs.
But what makes a piece of sports memorabilia truly valuable and a worthwhile investment? More often than not, the answer lies in the name attached to the item.
The greatest athletes of all time — names like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Shohei Ohtani, and Lionel Messi, as well as historic figures like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle — aren’t just idols on the field. They’re also driving forces behind some of the most expensive sports memorabilia sales in history.
And whether it’s a signed jersey from an iconic performance or a rare rookie card, collectors are sometimes willing to pay millions to own a piece of sports lore.
The GOAT Effect: Why Superstars Drive Memorabilia Value
Superstar athletes, particularly those considered the greatest of all time (GOATs) in their respective sports, create instant demand for sports memorabilia. Their achievements, impact on the game, and cultural influence drive up the value for anything associated with them.
When Michael Jordan dominated the NBA, for example, his trading cards and game-worn sneakers emerged as some of the most coveted collectibles in the industry. The same is happening today with Tom Brady’s autographs, Shohei Ohtani’s rookie cards, and Lionel Messi jerseys.
But it’s not just modern icons fueling this boom. Items attached to historic legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle continue to break auction records, demonstrating the GOAT status never fades when it comes to the value of memorabilia — more so when the items are tied to historical milestones and are one-of-a-kind or have limited availability.
Below are some of the top legends, or GOATs, driving the current memorabilia boom:
Michael Jordan Sports Memorabilia
While an over analysis of statistics can point you in other directions, Michael Jordan remains the athlete most still consider the greatest basketball player of all time. Perhaps the fiercest in all sports, his dominance on the court, six NBA championships, and cultural impact through endorsements like Air Jordan turned him into a global icon.
Thus, Jordan memorabilia is some of the most sought-after in history.
His game-worn jerseys, autographed shoes, and rookie cards have consistently set records at auctions, with his game one 1998 NBA Finals Jersey from the “Last Dance” season selling in 2022 for $10.1 million. Despite having lost that game, this sale set the record for the most expensive basketball jersey ever sold.
Jordan’s influence extends beyond basketball as he helped elevate sports collectibles into a mainstream investment asset, attracting not just fans but also serious investors. The demand for Jordan-related items has paved the way for other sports legends to see their collectibles rise in value, solidifying his role as a driving force in the industry’s growth.
Tom Brady Signed Collectibles
Tom Brady’s unparalleled career and status as the greatest quarterback in NFL history have made him a powerhouse in the sports memorabilia and collectibles market. With seven Super Bowl victories, multiple MVP awards, and a legacy of record-breaking performances, Brady’s memorabilia commands top dollar among collectors and investors.
His game-worn jerseys, signed footballs, and collector cards have consistently fetched high prices, with his final game-worn jersey selling for $1.39 million, the most expensive NFL jersey ever auctioned. This surpassed the previous record held by Joe Montana’s Super Bowl XXIII jersey, which sold for $1.2 million earlier that year.
Beyond his on-field success, Brady’s longevity and continued relevance in popular culture — currently as a color commentator with FOX and part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders — have driven sustained demand for his collectibles, helping elevate the NFL memorabilia market.
Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards & Autographs
Shohei Ohtani has revolutionized the sports memorabilia market with his unprecedented two-way dominance in Major League Baseball. As the first player since Babe Ruth to excel as both an elite pitcher and hitter, Ohtani has captivated fans worldwide, driving a surge in demand for his collectibles.
His autographed and home-run baseballs, game-used jerseys, and rookie cards have soared in value with one card, a perfectly graded 2018 Bowman Chrome autographed rookie card, selling for $533,140 last fall. His 50/50 home run ball from the 2024 season also drew headlines, selling for a crazy $4.392 million at auction.
Following his record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani’s market appeal has only intensified, attracting both traditional collectors and investment-minded buyers. His global fan base, particularly in Japan and the U.S., has expanded the reach of baseball memorabilia, further establishing the sport as a key player in the high-stakes world of collectibles.
Lionel Messi Soccer Collectibles
Lionel Messi’s legendary career and global influence have made him a dominant force in the sports memorabilia and collectibles market. As one of the greatest footballers of all time, his record-breaking achievements — including eight Ballon d’Or awards and a historic 2022 World Cup victory with Argentina — have driven sky-high demand for his signed jerseys, game-worn boots, and trading cards.
In 2023, a set of six jerseys Messi wore during Argentina’s World Cup run, including the final game, sold for $7.8 million, making them some of the most expensive soccer collectibles ever auctioned. His move to Inter Miami further expanded his market appeal, bringing soccer collectibles into mainstream U.S. investment circles.
With a devoted global fan base and continued dominance on the pitch, Lionel Messi’s memorabilia remains a blue-chip asset, helping push soccer collectibles to new heights alongside traditional powerhouses like basketball and baseball.
Kobe Bryant’s Investment Value
Kobe Bryant’s enduring legacy as one of basketball’s greatest players has made his memorabilia some of the most coveted in the sports collectibles market.
A five-time NBA champion and cultural icon, Bryant’s influence extended beyond the court, fueling immense demand for his autographed jerseys, game-worn sneakers, and rare trading cards. Following his tragic and unexpected death in 2020, the value of his memorabilia skyrocketed, with collectors and investors eager to own a piece of his storied career.
In 2023, an autographed Lakers jersey he wore for 25 games during his 2007-08 MVP season sold for $5.8 million, setting a record for Kobe-related memorabilia. The rarity of a player jersey worn for that many games — he scored 645 of his 2,452 points that season while wearing it — no doubt makes this a solid (albeit pricy) investment.
His impact on the market continues to grow, as fans and collectors recognize his lasting influence on the game and his relentless "Mamba Mentality."
Patrick Mahomes Memorabilia is Skyrocketing
It hasn’t taken long for Patrick Mahomes to become one of the most influential figures in the sports memorabilia market. With his electrifying playmaking and early dominance in the NFL, demand for Mahomes memorabilia and collectibles has skyrocketed, as well.
As a multiple-time Super Bowl champion and MVP with the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes has already solidified himself as the face of the league, making his autographed jerseys, game-worn gear, and rookie cards highly sought after by collectors and investors. His 2017 Panini National Treasures rookie card, for example, once sold for $4.3 million, one of the highest prices ever for a football card.
With a long career likely ahead and the potential to further cement his legacy, Mahomes’ memorabilia market continues to grow. As he builds on his Hall of Fame trajectory, his memorabilia is positioned to be among the most valuable in football history.
LeBron James: The King Of Basketball Collectibles
LeBron James is not only the epitome of basketball greatness in the modern era, but he has also become a powerhouse in the sports memorabilia and collectibles market. As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time champion, LeBron’s game-worn jerseys, shoes, and trading cards are among the most valuable in modern sports.
His 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite rookie card sold for $5.2 million, making it one of the most expensive basketball cards ever. Additionally, his game-worn Heat jersey from Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals sold for $3.68 million, further cementing his market dominance.
While Michael Jordan remains the benchmark for basketball collectibles, LeBron’s longevity, continued success, and cultural influence have elevated his memorabilia to blue-chip investment status.
Wayne Gretzky Hockey Collectibles
Wayne Gretzky’s dominance on the ice and his status as "The Great One" have made his memorabilia the gold standard in hockey collectibles.
As the all-time NHL leader in goals, assists, and points, Gretzky’s game-worn jerseys, autographed pucks, and trading cards remain some of the most valuable in the sport. His 1979 O-Pee-Chee rookie card shattered records, selling for $3.75 million, the highest price ever for a hockey card. His Topps card from the same year sold for $1.2 million in 2022.
While superstars like Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Connor McDavid have emerged since his NHL tenure, Gretzky still reigns as the king of hockey memorabilia, with his items consistently fetching top dollar. His lasting legacy and impact on the game ensure that his collectibles remain a cornerstone of the sports memorabilia market.
The Future of Sports Memorabilia Investments
The booming sports memorabilia market is a testament to the lasting influence of legendary athletes. Whether it’s Michael Jordan’s game-worn jerseys, Tom Brady’s autographs, or Shohei Ohtani’s rookie cards, the connection between a player’s greatness and the value of their collectibles is undeniable. The "GOAT effect" continues to drive record-breaking sales, with historic and modern superstars alike shaping the investment landscape.
As interest in sports collectibles grows, factors like rarity, authenticity, and cultural significance will remain crucial in determining long-term value. Investors and collectors should pay close attention to emerging stars, milestone moments, and the ever-evolving market trends that dictate demand.
Ultimately, whether you’re a passionate fan or a strategic investor, sports memorabilia offers a unique opportunity to own a tangible piece of sports history—one that, if chosen wisely, can turn into a valuable asset for years to come.
