Introduction
The sports card market is on fire. A historic sale recently shook the hobby to its core when a 2007 Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant Exquisite Logoman card sold for $12.9 million at Heritage Auctions. This record-breaking transaction not only grabbed headlines but also sparked renewed interest across the entire sports card market, from ultra-high-end collectibles to more accessible cards that everyday collectors can chase.
In this week’s Top 5 Hot Cards breakdown by Sports Card Investor and Market Movers, we’ll dive into the ripple effects of that monumental sale, examine which cards are surging in value, and spotlight rising stars whose rookie cards are making waves among collectors and investors alike.
Market Snapshot: A Rising Tide for Sports Cards
The SEI 500 index, which tracks 500 of the most prominent sports cards ranging from vintage classics to modern stars, is showing major strength in 2025:
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1% in the last 7 days
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Up nearly 5% in the last 30 days
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Up close to 17% year-to-date
Soccer cards are leading the charge, particularly from the 2000–2009 era, with prices up more than 34% thanks to high-profile sales of Messi, Ronaldo, and Beckham. This uptick underscores a critical trend: when a record sale like the $12.9M Jordan-Kobe card captures attention, demand tends to spread across related cards and even across sports.
Why the $12.9M Jordan & Kobe Sale Matters
The 2007 Exquisite Dual Logoman card of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant is a one-of-one masterpiece. Despite being graded only a PSA 6, rarity and star power drove its record-breaking price.
This card is historic because:
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It’s the only dual Logoman ever featuring Jordan & Kobe.
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It pairs two of the greatest NBA legends on a single card.
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It signals strong investor confidence in high-end sports memorabilia.
More importantly, it’s having a trickle-down effect. Other Jordan, Kobe, and LeBron cards are experiencing heightened demand and rising values as collectors chase more affordable but still iconic options.
Top 5 Sports Cards Heating Up This Week
5. Thomas White - Miami Marlins (Baseball)
Miami’s top left-handed pitching prospect has dominated the minors, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 14-strikeout performance. His 2025 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autos are surging:
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Base Auto Raw: +74% (from $31 to $54)
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Refractor Raw: +56% (from $79 to $123)
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Speckle Refractor Raw: +55% (from $91 to $141)
Collectors are taking notice of White’s elite strikeout ability and long-term potential.
4. Tyson Bagent - Chicago Bears (Football)
From Division II standout to NFL backup, Tyson Bagent has become one of football’s best underdog stories. His breakout preseason boosted demand for his rookie cards:
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2023 Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto Playoff (#/149): up nearly 300%
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2023 Obsidian Rookie Jersey Auto (#/199): from $17 to $40
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2023 Optic Rated Rookie Auto (#/199): from $30 to $45
Bagent may not be Chicago’s starter, but his market momentum proves that fans love a good underdog.
3. Jhostynxon Garcia - Boston Red Sox (Baseball)
Nicknamed “The Password”, Garcia has impressed in both the minors and majors. Following his August call-up, his cards are climbing fast:
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2025 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto (Raw): +60% (now around $59)
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Refractor (#/499): from $65 to $143
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Speckle Refractor (#/299): from $100 to $190
Boston fans are quickly jumping on Garcia as one of the franchise’s future stars.
2. Samuel Basallo - Baltimore Orioles (Baseball)
The Orioles’ young catcher/first baseman wasted no time making an impact. After a quick rise through the minors, Baltimore rewarded him with an 8-year, $67 million extension. His card values reflect the hype:
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2023 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto (PSA 10): +12% (now $263)
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2023 Bowman’s Best Auto: from $20 to $36
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2024 Bowman Mega Box Auto (Raw): from $39 to $56
With Baltimore betting big on Basallo, collectors are following suit.
1. Hurston Waldrep – Atlanta Braves (Baseball)
The Braves rookie pitcher has been electric since his August call-up, posting a 0.73 ERA over 24 innings. His cards are the hottest in the market right now:
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2023 Bowman Draft Sapphire Chrome (PSA 10): +120% (from $25 to $55)
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2025 Topps Golden Mirror Variation (Raw): from $45 to $80
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2025 Topps Chrome Rookie Auto (Raw): from $8 to $45
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Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie Auto (#/499): from $20 to $70
Atlanta fans finally have something to cheer about, and Waldrep is emerging as a centerpiece for the Braves’ rotation of the future.
FAQs
1. Why did the Jordan & Kobe card sell for $12.9M?
Because it’s the only dual Logoman featuring both legends, making it irreplaceable.
2. Does card grading matter for ultra-rare cards?
Not as much. For true one-of-ones, rarity and player legacy outweigh condition.
3. Which sports cards are trending most right now?
Soccer cards (Messi, Ronaldo, Beckham) and dual-legend basketball cards.
4. Are rookie cards still strong investments?
Yes, players like Hurston Waldrep, Tyson Bagent, and Thomas White are showing big jumps.
5. What’s the best tool to track card values?
Market Movers is one of the most reliable platforms for real-time card pricing and investment tracking.
6. Will more record-breaking sales happen soon?
Absolutely. As demand grows, ultra-rare cards of legends like Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, and Messi could set new benchmarks.
Final Thoughts
The $12.9 million Jordan-Kobe card sale wasn’t just a jaw-dropping headline; it reignited excitement across the sports card hobby. From established legends like Jordan, Kobe, and LeBron to fresh MLB and NFL talent, the momentum is clear: the market is heating up.
Collectors should keep an eye on rookie standouts and dual-player cards, which are showing some of the strongest gains. As history shows, record-breaking sales often set the tone for broader market confidence, and right now, that tone is bullish.
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