The sports collectibles world just witnessed history. The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant card has officially become the most expensive basketball card ever sold, closing at $12.9 million at Heritage Auctions. That price makes it not just the world’s most expensive basketball card, but one of the most expensive sport cards in the world, dethroning the legendary 1952 Mickey Mantle card that sold for $12.6 million in 2022.
For collectors, this moment is more than a sale — it’s a cultural milestone. The card embodies the spirit of two of basketball’s greatest icons, and it’s the ultimate answer to the question many fans ask: what is the most valuable basketball card?
What Makes This Card So Special?
At first glance, it’s just a trading card. But this particular card is a unicorn. It’s a one-of-one from Upper Deck’s coveted Exquisite Collection, featuring authentic “Logoman” patches cut from jerseys actually worn by Jordan and Bryant. Both players signed it, giving it dual autographs that instantly elevate its prestige.
Even though the card graded a PSA 6 — far from mint condition — its uniqueness and star power pushed bidders into a frenzy. It’s a perfect example of how the modern card market values rarity and cultural significance over flawless condition.
Michael Jordan’s Legacy
When we talk about the most expensive basketball cards, Michael Jordan’s name is never far away. Jordan isn’t just an NBA champion — he’s the champion. Six championships with the Chicago Bulls, five league MVPs, two Olympic gold medals, and a career filled with unforgettable moments like “The Shot” and “The Flu Game.”
But Jordan’s impact goes beyond numbers. He made basketball global. His Air Jordan sneaker line changed the culture of sports and fashion. His relentless competitiveness turned him into a mythic figure — the standard against which greatness is measured.
That’s why Jordan’s cards, especially rare ones like this, dominate lists of the most valuable basketball cards of the 2000s and beyond. They aren’t just collectibles. They’re pieces of sports mythology.
Kobe Bryant’s Legacy
On the other side of the card is Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba, whose career was defined by relentless drive. Five NBA championships with the Lakers. An MVP award. Two Finals MVPs. Eighteen All-Star appearances. And perhaps most famously, his 81-point game in 2006 — the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history.
Bryant’s influence came not just from what he achieved, but how he achieved it. His “Mamba Mentality” — an obsession with preparation, discipline, and willpower — became a philosophy for athletes and fans alike. Even after retiring, he earned an Academy Award for storytelling, proving his creative spirit matched his on-court brilliance.
Since his tragic passing in 2020, Bryant’s legacy has only grown more powerful. His memorabilia now ranks among the most expensive sport cards ever, as fans and collectors seek to hold on to a piece of his story.
More Than Just a Card
This Dual Logoman isn’t just cardboard. It’s a time capsule. On one side, Michael Jordan — the player who defined the 1990s. On the other, Kobe Bryant — the player who carried that torch into the 2000s. Together, they represent two generations of basketball greatness, side by side on a single piece of history.
By selling for $12.9 million, this card didn’t just set a record. It showed how far the hobby has come. Sports cards are no longer just childhood collectibles tucked into binders. They’re now cultural assets — investments, heirlooms, and symbols of legacy.
So if someone asks you about the most expensive basketball card ever, or even the most expensive sport card in the world, the answer is simple: the 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual Logoman Jordan & Bryant. A piece of history where two legends meet, forever sealed in cardboard.
FAQS
What is the most expensive basketball card ever?
The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant holds the record, selling for $12.9 million in 2025.
Who bought the 12 million dollar card?
The identity of the buyer has not been disclosed. High-value sports cards are often purchased by private collectors or investment groups who prefer to remain anonymous.
What basketball card sold for 5.2 million dollars?
In 2021, a Luka Dončić 2018-19 National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph 1/1 sold for $5.2 million, setting a then-record for modern basketball cards.
What is the most expensive card ever sold?
The current record belongs to the Jordan & Bryant Dual Logoman, which is both the most expensive basketball card ever and one of the most expensive sport cards in the world, surpassing the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card that sold for $12.6M in 2022.
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