A once-in-a-generation sports card featuring NBA legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant has just made history, selling for a jaw-dropping $12.9 million at auction and becoming the most expensive sports card ever sold.

The card, from the 2007–08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs series, is truly one-of-a-kind. It features not only the authentic autographs of both Jordan and Bryant but also game-worn jersey patches from each player—specifically, the iconic NBA “logoman” logos stitched from their uniforms. No duplicates exist, making this card the ultimate collector’s dream.

The record-breaking sale took place through Heritage Auctions, though the identity of the buyer has not been disclosed. With this sale, the Jordan–Bryant card overtook the previous record of $12.6 million held by a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, setting a new bar in the world of sports memorabilia.

Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions at Heritage, called the card the “holy grail” of modern basketball cards. “It can’t be recreated. There’s only one,” Ivy said. “It’s the pinnacle of what the hobby can offer when it comes to star power, uniqueness, and cultural impact.”

Interestingly, the card received only a PSA grade of 6, a relatively average condition score. But in this case, rarity and symbolism far outweighed condition. The significance of two of basketball’s most beloved figures on one card—combined with the emotional weight of Bryant’s tragic passing—helped drive its incredible value.

The card is part of the groundbreaking Upper Deck “Exquisite” line, which revolutionized the trading card industry by combining luxury elements like autograph authentication and jersey patches with modern design. When it launched in the early 2000s, the series was a gamble—but it ultimately changed the landscape of high-end sports card collecting forever.

Jordan and Bryant never played on the same NBA team, but they shared a deep mutual respect. Bryant often cited Jordan as his greatest inspiration, and the two forged a strong bond off the court. That connection, immortalized in this card, adds even more emotional value.

This isn’t the first time Bryant memorabilia has made waves. In fact, collector Matt Allen—known online as “Shyne150”—recently spent $4 million on two rare Kobe “Logoman” cards. But even that pales in comparison to this latest headline sale.

To date, only one sports collectible has sold for more: Babe Ruth’s legendary “called shot” jersey from 1932, which brought in a staggering $24.12 million in 2024. Still, this Jordan–Bryant card is now the king of trading cards.

The sale signals not just the strength of the high-end collectibles market, but also the ongoing legacy of two of the sport’s most celebrated icons. For fans and collectors alike, this card is more than cardboard and ink—it’s history sealed in plastic.