20 Most Expensive Sports Memorabilia Ever Sold
From legendary jerseys to rare trading cards, sports memorabilia is a treasure trove of history. Iconic pieces sell for millions, connecting fans to the unforgettable moments that shaped their favorite games.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Sports memorabilia is not only a collector’s treasure; it is a physical reminder of the finest moments in sporting history. Jersey, championship rings, and collectible cards are treasured as much for the stories behind them as for how rare they are. With each of these items continuing to sell for record sums at auction houses, they act as a testament to the abiding connection fans have with their favorite sports, with each purchase indicating the sustaining worth of sports accomplishment in financial and cultural values.
1. Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” Jersey – $24.12 million
Image from CNN
Worn during the historic 1932 World Series, this jersey is linked to Babe Ruth’s legendary “Called Shot” home run. Following decades of authentication controversy, it sold for a record $24.12 million at auction.
2. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Baseball Card – $12.6 million
Image from ESPN.com
The “finest known example” of Yankees icon Mickey Mantle’s rookie card was sold for $12.6 million in August 2022. Its perfect condition and Mantle’s reputation account for its staggering value.
3. Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 Jersey – $10.1 million
Image from WWD
This jersey, worn during the 1998 NBA Finals Game 1, commemorates Michael Jordan’s final championship journey with the Chicago Bulls. It sold for $10.1 million, beating the early estimates.
4. Diego Maradona’s 1986 “Hand of God” World Cup Jersey – $9.3 million
Image from The New York Times
Maradona’s jersey used during the infamous 1986 World Cup game against England, where he scored the controversial “Hand of God” goal, fetched $9.3 million. The sale attributed its importance to history.
5. Muhammad Ali’s WBC “Rumble in the Jungle” Belt – $6.18 million
Image from CNN
Sold to Muhammad Ali following his win against George Foreman in the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle,” this title belt sold for $6.18 million. It represents one of the most famous of boxing’s great battles.
6. Babe Ruth’s New York Yankees Jersey – $5.64 million
Image from CNN
This Babe Ruth jersey, which he wore while playing for the Yankees, was sold for $5.64 million. It reflects Ruth’s lasting place in baseball history.
7. Babe Ruth 1927 World Series Ring – $4.4 million
Image from Forbes
The 1927 World Series ring, owned by Charlie Sheen and awarded to Babe Ruth in 1927, sold for a whopping $4.4 million and became the priciest championship ring ever auctioned.
8. James Naismith’s “Founding Rules of Basketball” – $4.3 million
Image from Wikimedia Commons
James Naismith’s original 13 Rules of Basketball, written in 1891, were sold for $4.3 million. This document was the basis of the modern game of basketball.
9. Daniel Lucius Adams’ “Laws of Baseball” – $3.2 million
Image from SCP Auctions
Daniel Lucius Adams’ 1857 manuscript establishing the first set of rules of baseball sold at auction for $3.2 million. It’s a must-have for baseball historians.
10. Mark McGwire’s 70th Home Run Ball – $3 million
Image from eBay.ph
Mark McGwire’s 1998 ball, his 70th home run and record-breaking, was sold for $3 million. Its price has varied based on steroid scandal accusations.
11. Babe Ruth’s 1920 New York Yankees Contract – $2.3 million
Image from CBS Sports
This item, which outlined Babe Ruth’s contract with the Yankees, was sold for $2.3 million. It marks Ruth’s seminal shift from the Red Sox to the Yankees.
12. Michael Jordan’s 1984 Olympic Gold Medal – $1 million
Image from TMZ
This gold medal, given to Michael Jordan for his participation in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, was sold for $1 million. It has been a prized possession since the start of his successful career.
13. Wayne Gretzky’s 1988 Oilers Jersey – $1 million
Image from CBC
This jersey, worn by Wayne Gretzky during his playing career with the Edmonton Oilers, was sold for $1 million. It is a valuable piece of history from Gretzky’s legendary career.
14. Caitlin Clark’s 2024 Rookie Card – $366,000
Image from News 4 San Antonio
Caitlin Clark’s unique autographed rookie card sold for $366,000, a record-breaking sale for women’s sports memorabilia. Her influence on the game has earned her collectibles a high price tag.
15. Serena Williams’ 2003 Australian Open Trophy – $266,400
Image from www.gainesville.com
The Serena Williams 2003 Australian Open Trophy, which the star won, sold for $266,400. It speaks volumes of her early dominance on the tennis scene.
16. LeBron James’ 2016 NBA Finals Jersey – $1 million
Image from eBay
This jersey worn in the 2016 NBA Finals, during which James steered the Cleveland Cavaliers to success, sold for $1 million. It is an important memorabilia marking the history of an era-winning championship.
17. Kobe Bryant’s 2008 Olympic Gold Medal – $1 million
Image from Olympics.com
The gold medal Kobe Bryant won for his action in the 2008 Beijing Olympics was sold for $1 million. It is a valuable piece of Bryant’s storied career.
18. Ty Cobb’s 1905 Detroit Tigers Jersey – $1 million
Image from eBay
This jersey, which Ty Cobb wore during his early days playing for the Detroit Tigers, was sold for $1 million. Ty Cobb’s record-breaking feats and aggressive style of play make his memorabilia extremely valuable. It’s one of the oldest pieces of professional baseball equipment still in existence.
19. Tom Brady’s 2000 NFL Draft Combine Worn Jersey – $1.3 million
Image from Sotheby’s
Tom Brady’s 2000 NFL Draft Combine worn jersey fetched a staggering $1.3 million in 2021. The sale was a testament to Brady’s iconic career and the appreciation of memorabilia associated with his unmatched success. The jersey is the start of a career that would redefine quarterback excellence.
20. Honus Wagner’s 1909-1911 T206 Baseball Card – $6.6 million
Image from Forbes
Known as the “Holy Grail” of baseball cards, Honus Wagner’s T206 card sold for a staggering $6.6 million in 2021. Only a few are known to exist, and Wagner’s reluctance to have his image used on a tobacco card makes it so rare. The card’s combination of scarcity and historical significance has made it one of the most coveted pieces of sports memorabilia in the world.