Sports memorabilia are among the most coveted items at auctions. These collectibles often fetch eye-watering price tags that can leave you baffled. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, or baseball, sports fans are often willing to spend millions to secure a single piece of history. That’s why the list of the top 10 most expensive NBA jerseys is insane!

The list includes some of the greatest names in the league, with some jaw-dropping prices to match. Jordan alone boasts a success of around $11 million. Among the legends, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the 10th spot.

The Captain’s 1984 jersey and Lebron James’ Lakers new game-worn jersey

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most iconic Lakers stars. While his aura off-court was calm, his game spoke the loudest. The 1984 Finals was the first time when the Lakers faced off against the Celtics and Larry Bird since 1969. Although the Celtics had the last laugh by winning the series, the Lakers put up a strong battle. 

As per the photo-matching sources, the MeiGray Group, Abdul-Jabbar wore this jersey in Games 1 and 5 of the Finals. This game-worn jersey from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer was sold for $228,600. Abdul-Jabbar played for 20 years in the league, and his impact is still felt to this day. Surpassing him is none other than Lakers star LeBron James.

It’s surprising to see how quickly King James’ game-worn jersey in 2023 made it to the top 10 list. But less so when we learn the story behind it. James wore this jersey in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers to surpass the 38,000-point mark. 

James currently boasts over 40,000 points, but he crossed the 38,000-point mark back in 2023 with an iconic 20-foot jumper at the age of 38. The jersey was sold for $393,700, surpassing his 2023 achievement is a piece from Michael Jordan‘s sixth win with the Bulls.

Michael Jordan’s 1998 game-worn jersey and 1997-1998 jersey

Any piece from 1997-98 has made decent to insane success in auctions. From MJ’s sneakers to jerseys, every game memorabilia is a hit. Even this jersey which MJ wore in two games during the 1998 season fetched a whopping $508,000. As per the MeiGray Group, one of the games was in February when the Bulls defeated the Kings, 109-94.

The seventh position is also claimed by 6x NBA champion. This jersey also dates back to the time shown in the Netflix series, The Last Dance. It follows MJ and the Chicago Bulls during the 1997-1998 season. This jersey was likely worn in 8 games and fetched $698,500.

Frenchman Victor Wembanyama makes 6th and Kobe Bryant rests in 5th position 

Following LeBron James, Wembanyama was one of the most hyped stars entering the NBA in 2023. With experience playing professionally for ASVEL in the EuroLeague, the 7’4″ player’s debut was highly anticipated by NBA fans and veterans alike. 

Initially, his debut game jersey was expected to fetch between $80,000 and $120,000. However, it soared past expectations, selling for $762,000 at Sotheby’s as Wemby claimed the sixth spot.

The 5th position is held by the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. The 5x NBA champion wore this jersey in Game 1 of the 2009 NBA Finals, where he scored an impressive 40 points. This iconic jersey was ultimately sold for $1,754,000.

LeBron James 2013 NBA Finals jersey and Wilt Chamberlain 1972 NBA Finals jersey

The 4th and 3rd position sees LeBron James and 2X NBA champion Wilt Chamberlain. James’ jersey dates back to Game 7 in the 2012-2013 season. After an exciting Game 6 which was dubbed as “the best NBA Finals Game ever” by ESPN, James and the Heat Squad were about to make history by winning his 2nd championship. It fetched $3,680,000.

This was his first time to make an appearance in the NBA Finals Game 7 where he hit 37 points. And here are the top three most expensive NBA jerseys.

The third position was claimed by the Pop Culture and NBA icon Chamberlain’s jersey. He wore the jersey in the 1972 NBA Finals Game 5. Despite a hand injury, he went on to claim his 2nd NBA Championship title making 24 points and. 29 rebounds. Several Sports Illustrated Covers showed Chamberlain wearing this jersey. The jersey making $4,900,000 isn’t so surprising. And then there were two!

Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan make the top two spots

Bryant wore this iconic jersey in 25 games during the 2007-2008 season. This is a piece most Kobe fans would recognize due to its appearance in numerous murals, pictures, and paintings of the Lakers legend. This was also the season he earned his MVP award. Notably, Bryant donned this jersey in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals and for his official MVP award portrait. It was sold for $5,849,700.

At the top of the list, however, is Bryant’s mentor, Michael Jordan. His “Last Dance” jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals, famously featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, was worn by Jordan in Game 1 of the Finals against the Utah Jazz. As part of the Chicago Bulls‘ journey to their sixth NBA championship, this historic jersey fetched an astounding $10,091,000 at auction.

If we combine the success of his previous jerseys, it adds up to $11,297,500, putting Jordan at the top of the list. Not to mention, only adding to his golden legacy as an NBA icon!