Kobe Bryant’s Rookie Jersey Sells for Record $7 Million at Auction

New York City, NY – Kobe Bryant‘s jersey worn during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers has sold for a record-breaking $7 million at a Sotheby’s auction on Thursday. This sale surpasses the previous record for any memorabilia connected to the late NBA superstar, who died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

The jersey, which represents Bryant’s debut in the 1996-97 season, set a new high for any collectible tied to the basketball icon. The previous record for a Kobe Bryant piece was $5.85 million for his game-worn jersey from the 2007-08 season trip.

According to Sotheby’s, the jersey is confirmed as authentic and was photo-matched to multiple games in which Bryant participated during his first NBA season. The now-iconic yellow jersey, featuring the number 8, was worn by the then-18-year-old during his first media day and his official game debut on November 3, 1996.

In that game, Bryant played six minutes but did not score, missing his only shot. Sotheby’s describes the jersey as a “bridge between the raw potential of a teenage prodigy and the refined greatness that would follow.” Previously, the jersey had sold for $115,242 in 2012.

Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, commented on the significance of rookie jerseys, stating, “For collectors in search of true one-of-one treasures, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own iconic pieces of basketball history.”

This $7 million sale ranks Bryant’s jersey as the fourth most expensive game-worn sports jersey ever sold, following jerseys worn by Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, and Diego Maradona. The growing market for memorabilia tied to sports legends underscores the continuing legacy of Kobe Bryant.

Reflecting on Bryant’s career, he achieved remarkable accomplishments including five NBA championships and is the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points. Tragically, he passed away alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others, adding even greater significance to collectibles such as this jersey.