Cooper Flagg’s Historic Jersey Sale
In a remarkable highlight of the sports memorabilia market, Cooper Flagg’s jersey from his inaugural NBA game fetched a staggering $1 million through a private sale managed by Sotheby’s, according to an announcement made on Thursday. This sale not only marks a significant personal milestone for Flagg during his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks but also establishes a new record for collectibles associated with him.
Flagg’s Impressive Debut
Flagg, who debuted in the NBA on October 22, 2025, against the San Antonio Spurs, has been making waves on the court with impressive averages of 20.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Brahm Wachter, the Head of Modern Collectibles at Sotheby’s, emphasized the importance of this sale, stating that it underscores the value collectors place on iconic moments in sports history, particularly those associated with emerging stars like Flagg.
Previous Sales and Market Trends
Previously, one of Flagg’s jerseys worn during the Summer League debut was sold for $95,250, illustrating his rising popularity among fans and collectors alike. Sotheby’s, renowned for being the official partner for game-worn NBA memorabilia, has also had success with other debut jersey sales, including Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey, which garnered $762,000 in a public auction last year.
Future Auctions and Strategic Management
In a shift towards more strategic inventory management, Sotheby’s is now selectively holding back certain jerseys that are anticipated to appreciate in value over time. Upcoming auctions will also feature debut jerseys from other promising rookies, including VJ Edgecombe and Kon Knueppel, among others, starting this Thursday, providing collectors with further opportunities to invest in sports history.
