
Fanatics and Sotheby’s have once again made waves in the sports card market with their latest collaborative auction, “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” where a total of $2 million was amassed from the sale of just 11 cards. The standout piece of the auction was the Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman Triple Logoman card, fetching an impressive $600,000.
The event exclusively showcased premium cards from Upper Deck’s Exquisite series, with highlights including a LeBron James 2003 Rookie Patch Autograph, a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman Autograph, and a Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Dual Logoman Patch Autograph. The focus was clearly on NBA legends, particularly Michael Jordan and LeBron James, highlighting the sustained demand for cards featuring these iconic figures.
This auction marked the second successful collaboration between Fanatics and Sotheby’s, following their initial venture, “Holy Grails,” where a LeBron James Exquisite card was sold for $432,000. This time, a different version of the same card reached $456,000, demonstrating the enduring value of premium sports cards while also reflecting the evolving dynamics of the market. Notably, similar versions of these cards were once valued at over $2 million in 2022, showcasing the fluctuations in the sports card market.
The Upper Deck’s Exquisite series has played a pivotal role in shaping the sports card industry, introducing innovative concepts such as rookie patch autographs that have become a mainstay for high-end collectors. This groundbreaking approach, spearheaded by Karvin Cheung in the early 2000s, has influenced products like Panini’s National Treasures, underscoring the lasting impact of the Exquisite line.
Fanatics remains committed to elevating the sports card hobby to new heights, evident in their strategic partnership with Sotheby’s for these high-profile auctions. By presenting sports cards as cultural artifacts worthy of art gallery exhibits and prestigious sales events, they aim to redefine the perception of sports cards. This approach underscores the dual value of sports cards as both collectible items and works of art, cementing their significance in the realm of sports memorabilia.