Sports is something everybody is attracted to. You may not like basketball or football, but there is always a sport a person prefers over another. Considering the fact that sports are such an integral part of our lives, it’s not a surprise that some sports memorabilia has sold for some crazy numbers. The sports collectables market has seen a boom in the last decade, with memorabilia being sold for millions of dollars. This blog will look at some of the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold in an auction. So, strap back and enjoy our write-up.
Most Expensive Sports Collectible Ever Sold in Auction
Before starting the list, we must tell you that the list is ranked in ascending order. This means that the most expensive ones will be listed last.
#10- Kobe Bryant Lakers Jersey (2007-2008)
Kobe Bryant’s 2007-2008 jersey is the first item in our list of the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold. He wore this jersey during the 2007-2008 season in 25 games. The reason why this jersey is so expensive is because of the fact that this was the season when Kobe got his one and only MVP (Most Valuable Player) award.
Price: $5.8 million
#9- Muhammad Ali’s “Rumble in the Jungle” Title Belt
This is one of the most expensive sports memorabilia ever because of the sheer magnitude of the achievement. Muhammad Ali was already a well-known personality by the time he challenged George Foreman for the title in Zaire in 1974. But after he won it, he became a sensation.
Price: $6.2 million.
#8- Babe Ruth Rookie Card
Babe Ruth is a legendary figure and a colossal presence in Baseball. Throughout his career, he garnered numerous accolades, making his rookie card one of the priciest items in sports memorabilia history. Additionally, it is estimated that only 10 of these cards exist globally, and this particular one was in mint condition. The card was sold in an auction in 2023.
Price: $7.2 million
#7- Honus Wagner T-206 Baseball Card
This rare Honus Wagner card, featuring the Hall of Famer, has long been associated with the priciest sports memorabilia. Wagner, known for his clean living, halted production of the cards in 1911 upon discovering an advertisement for cigarettes on the back of the card. In 2022, Goldin Auctions facilitated a record-setting private sale of an exceptional example of this card.
Price: $7.25 million
#6- Lionel Messi’s Set of 6 World Cup Match-Worn Shirts
After winning a title in 1986, Argentina had a rough patch for quite some time. However, it was Lionel Messi who again put Argentina at the top of the sport in 2022 after winning the FIFA World Cup while wearing this jersey, which explains why these are some of the most expensive sports memorabilia in the world.
Price: $7.8 million
#5- The Olympic Games Manifesto
This is the manifesto of the modern Olympic Games, which was written by Pierre de Coubertin in 1892. The fact that this is perhaps the most important document in the history of modern sports justifies its place as the 5th most expensive sports memorabilia.
Price: $8.8 million
#4- Diego Maradona “Hand Of God” Jersey
Just like Messi in 2022, Diego Maradona helped Argentina get to the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He played as if he had the “hand of god” on him, hence the name. The historical and cultural significance of this jersey makes it one of the most expensive sports memorabilia ever.
Price: $9.3 million
#3- Michael Jordan’s Final Jersey (1998)
Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player and one of the most popular athletes ever. When he won the 1998 season championship (his overall 6th), everyone was singing praises of Jordan. However, he suddenly announced that he would be retiring from the sport, making this jersey one of the most sought-after sports memorabilia at the time, hence the gigantic figure.
Price: $10.1 million
#2- Topps Mickey Mantle Card
Baseball cards have a very enthusiastic and big market, and this card is among the rarest ever. So when a Mickey Mantle card showed up in an auction in mint condition, people lost their minds and paid an ungodly sum to make it their own.
Price: $12.6 million
#1- Babe Ruth’s “The Called Shot” Bat
We have already told you how revered Babe Ruth is in the baseball community. So, this sports memorabilia might not be a surprise. During the 1931 series, Babe Ruth stepped out of the batter’s box and called for a home run. Then, he hit a home run. The bat he used during this was known as “the Called Shot” bat, which was recently sold in an auction in 2024.
Price: $24.1 million
