Even from the comfort of retirement, Michael Jordan continues to make headlines—and not just for his on-court exploits. This time, it’s his memorabilia that’s taking center stage. A signed 1986 Fleer Jordan rookie card has just set a new record, fetching a staggering $2.5 million at auction. This illustrious piece of sports history has now become the highest-priced item of its kind, dwarfing the previous record of $1.008 million set for a similar card in 2022.
But what’s really catching the attention of the sports collectibles world is the enigmatic nature of the sale. The card’s staggering $2 million auction price was the result of just one bid. The final sale price reached $2.5 million thanks to the auction house, Joopiter, which tacks on a standard 25% buyer’s premium. It’s a hefty price tag that has left industry insiders both impressed and puzzled.
Will Stern, a reporter and editor with expertise in sports collectibles, expressed surprise at the turnout. “I don’t think there’s anybody who I spoke to within the industry that expected this,” he told Front Office Sports. This sentiment is mirrored by Michael Osacky, the president of sports card and memorabilia appraisal service Baseball in the Attic. He suggests the card’s market value should hover around $1 million. While he isn’t one to theorize conspiracies, Osacky finds the result eyebrow-raising. He also highlighted the active interest, as Joopiter revealed the auction had significant engagement from potential buyers spanning 50 countries.
The identity of the buyer remains under wraps, which Osacky notes is typical unless the buyer wishes to publicly bask in their accomplishment. There’s no shortage of intrigue surrounding the auction house itself either. Joopiter, established in 2022 by renowned musician and producer Pharrell Williams and supported by Lightspeed Venture Partners, has predominantly dealt in fashion and music memorabilia until now. This Jordan card marks its notable venture into sports collectibles.
Key features that elevate this card include its excellent condition—graded nine out of 10—and a flawless autograph worthy of a 10. Moreover, this card is part of an exclusive batch secretly signed by Jordan last year during a visit to Florida. His decision to sign these cards without any compensation adds an extra layer of allure and significance.
“We rarely see something quite like this,” Osacky muses, encapsulating the rarity and desirability that surround the item.
Joopiter is already looking ahead, planning to hold more sports auctions while remaining tight-lipped on the details. Caitlin Donovan, global head of sales at the auction house, stated, “we look forward to building on this milestone as we continue to offer extraordinary pieces in this dynamic market.”
It’s important to recognize the broader picture behind this astonishing sale. The sports collectibles market saw a revival during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing in younger enthusiasts—particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha—who are eager to chase after exclusive, modern trading cards. This reinvigoration has spotlighted rare items like the Jordan rookie card, promising an exciting future for the hobby.
