Fanatics and Sotheby’s recently concluded their second joint auction, the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” which featured a curated selection of premium sports cards from Upper Deck’s Exquisite series. This collaboration yielded an impressive $2 million in sales, with a mere 11 cards capturing the attention of collectors worldwide.
One of the standout items of the auction was the Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman Triple Logoman card, which commanded a hefty price tag of $600,000. The event predominantly spotlighted NBA greats, with cards featuring iconic figures such as LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.
The auction’s focus on renowned basketball legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James underscored the enduring demand for memorabilia associated with these iconic athletes. The presence of cards like the LeBron James 2003 Rookie Patch Autograph, the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman Autograph, and the Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Dual Logoman Patch Autograph further emphasized the market’s fascination with legendary players.
This successful auction marks a continuation of the partnership’s earlier event, “Holy Grails,” where a LeBron James Exquisite card was sold for $432,000. In this latest sale, a different variation of the same card fetched $456,000, indicating the sustained appeal of premium sports cards while reflecting the evolving trends in the market. It is noteworthy that in previous years, similar cards reached staggering prices, with some exceeding $2 million in 2022.
The Upper Deck’s Exquisite series played a pivotal role in transforming the sports card industry by introducing innovative concepts like rookie patch autographs. These unique features have become highly sought-after by collectors seeking exclusive and premium items. Products like Panini’s National Treasures have drawn inspiration from the Exquisite series, consolidating its influence on the market.
Fanatics’ strategic alliance with Sotheby’s is part of a broader effort to elevate sports cards to the status of cultural artifacts, deserving recognition in prestigious art galleries and upscale sales events. By curating high-profile auctions that showcase sports cards as both valuable collectibles and artistic masterpieces, Fanatics aims to redefine the perception of these items and attract a new wave of enthusiasts to the hobby.