Fanatics and Sotheby’s have once again proven to be a dynamic duo in the realm of sports collectibles, as their recent auction, dubbed “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” raked in an impressive $2 million from the sale of just 11 premium cards. The star of the show was a Triple Logoman card featuring basketball legends Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, which commanded a jaw-dropping $600,000 from a lucky bidder.
The lineup of coveted cards included gems like 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. With a spotlight firmly fixed on NBA icons, particularly Michael Jordan and LeBron James, it was evident that the allure of legendary basketball figures continues to drive the sports card market.
This successful event marked the second collaboration between Fanatics and Sotheby’s, following the triumph of their initial venture, “Holy Grails,” where a LeBron James Exquisite card fetched $432,000. In a testament to the ever-evolving market, the same card in this auction went for $456,000, showcasing the enduring value of premium cards amidst market fluctuations. It’s intriguing to note that a few years back, identical cards commanded prices exceeding $900,000, with some versions soaring past the $2 million mark in 2022.
The Exquisite line from Upper Deck has been a game-changer in the sports card industry, credited with introducing rookie patch autographs that have become a staple for discerning collectors. The influence of Exquisite is palpable in products like Panini’s National Treasures, which owe their popularity to the innovative approach spearheaded by Karvin Cheung in the early 2000s.
Fanatics’ unwavering commitment to elevating the status of sports collectibles is evident in their strategic partnership with Sotheby’s. By curating high-profile auctions that position sports cards as cultural artifacts deserving of admiration in art galleries and prestigious sales events, they are reshaping perceptions of these items. Through this approach, they are not only underscoring the collectible nature of sports cards but also highlighting their artistic value, effectively blurring the lines between collectibles and fine art.
