Fanatics and Sotheby’s recently concluded their second joint auction, raking in an impressive sum of over $2 million from the sale of just 11 sports cards. The star of the show was the Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman Triple Logoman card, which fetched a notable $600,000.
Dubbed the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” the auction exclusively showcased premium cards from Upper Deck’s coveted Exquisite series. Among the highlights were 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 auction primarily shone a spotlight on NBA legends, with a particular emphasis on cards featuring either Michael Jordan or LeBron James—or sometimes both. This thematic choice underscored the enduring appeal of iconic figures in the sports card market, a segment that continues to capture the interest and investment of enthusiasts worldwide.
This event comes on the heels of their successful initial collaboration, “Holy Grails,” where a LeBron James Exquisite card commanded a noteworthy $432,000. In the current auction, a different version of the same card surpassed this, reaching an impressive $456,000. These results not only demonstrate the enduring allure of premium sports cards but also reflect the inevitable ebbs and flows within the market. It is worth noting that just a few years ago, the same card sold for well over $900,000, with comparable versions soaring past the $2 million mark in 2022.
The introduction of rookie patch autographs by Upper Deck’s Exquisite line marked a pivotal moment in the sports card industry, setting a new standard that remains highly sought after by discerning collectors. The influence of Exquisite’s innovative approach, spearheaded by Karvin Cheung in the early 2000s, can still be felt today, with products like Panini’s National Treasures owing much of their acclaim to the precedent set by Exquisite.
Fanatics continues to push the boundaries in its quest to elevate the hobby to unprecedented heights. Through strategic partnerships with prestigious entities like Sotheby’s for these high-profile auctions, Fanatics is striving to position sports cards as more than just collectibles, but as cultural artifacts worthy of the same reverence afforded to art in gallery exhibitions and exclusive sales events. This deliberate approach seeks to redefine the traditional perception of sports cards, showcasing their multifaceted value as both collectible items and exquisite works of art.
