The jersey worn by Kobe Bryany during his preseason debut in 1996 has sold for a record-breaking $7 million at a Sotheby’s auction. This iconic piece of sports memorabilia has become the second-most expensive NBA jersey ever sold, trailing only Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance” jersey, which fetched $10.1 million.
The jersey, photo-matched to Bryant’s preseason debut on October 16, 1996, as well as his regular-season debut on November 3, 1996, holds immense historical significance. It represents the beginning of Bryant’s illustrious 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, during which he became one of the greatest players in NBA history. The jersey was also worn during Bryant’s first NBA media day and several regular-season games in November 1996.
Bryant’s preseason debut marked the start of his journey as the youngest player to appear in an NBA game at the time. Although he played only six minutes and did not score in his regular-season debut, the jersey symbolizes the nascence of his extraordinary career, which included five NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and an 81-point game—the second-highest single-game total in NBA history.
The jersey’s sale price of $7 million shattered the previous record for Bryant-related memorabilia, surpassing the $5.85 million paid for a game-worn jersey from his 2007-08 MVP season. The auction highlights the growing market for sports collectibles, particularly items tied to legends like Bryant. Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, Brahm Wachter, emphasized the significance of debut games, stating,
“They mark the nascency of an extraordinary journey, and for iconic athletes like Kobe Bryant, these milestones hold even more significance as they represent a singular moment in time that can never be replicated.”
The jersey’s value was further enhanced by the meticulous photo-matching process, which authenticated its use during key moments in Bryant’s rookie season. Features such as a loose white thread and specific positioning of holes in the fabric were matched to high-quality media from NBA games, ensuring its authenticity.
Kobe Bryant’s influence extends far beyond basketball. Known for his relentless work ethic and “Mamba Mentality,” Bryant inspired athletes and fans worldwide. His tragic passing in 2020 only deepened the appreciation for his contributions to the sport and his advocacy for women’s basketball.
As the fourth-most expensive game-worn sports jersey ever sold, behind Babe Ruth’s “called shot” jersey ($24 million), Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance” jersey ($10.1 million), and Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” jersey ($9.3 million), Bryant’s preseason debut jersey stands as a symbol of the indelible mark he left on the world of sports.
