LeBron James’ Jersey From 2013 Finals Sells for Record-Breaking Amount
Sports memorabilia like jerseys and sneakers continues to fetch eye-watering prices at auction. In recent years, we’ve seen a specific influx of -related gear like the game-worn jersey and both pieces no doubt financially bolstered by the success of the Netflix documentary, The Last Dance.
But we’re not just seeing an uptick in Jordan memorabilia. This week, game-worn 2013 NBA Finals jersey from Game 7 sold for a record-breaking $3.7 million, the item becoming the most valuable LeBron James’ jersey ever sold (smashing previous records by more than five times).
Up for auction at Sotheby’s New York saleroom, LeBron’s jersey becomes the third most valuable game-worn jersey ever sold at Sotheby’s (placing it behind Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ jersey). Number one on the list is currently Michael Jordan’s 1998 Finals jersey, which sold for $10.1 million in September 2022.
Commenting on the sale result, Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectables, says, ‘Today’s tremendous result comes at a pivotal time in LeBron James’ career, where he is in arm’s reach of clenching the all-time points record – one of the NBA’s most revered accolades. Just months after the record-breaking sale of Michael Jordan ‘Last Dance’ 1998 NBA finals jersey, this successful sale of another incomparable legend’s jersey – one of the most significant jerseys to ever hit the auction block – further proves that the demand for sports memorabilia is at an all-time high and that the magic of sports continues to transcend and ignite fans and collectors alike. We are extremely proud that Sotheby’s is at the helm of this dynamic market and that we were entrusted to offer this historic sports relic to the public.’
LeBron’s Game 7 will go down in history as one of the most consequential moments of his career. The win secured Lebron back-to-back NBA championships alongside a Finals MVP. He is just one of only six players in NBA history to be awarded back-to-back Finals MVP trophies.
He registered a double-double with 37 points and 12 rebounds. The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 95–88.
The current record for any item sold of LeBron’s memorabilia is an autographed relic card from his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The card sold for $5.2 million in 2021 (becoming the second-highest basketball card ever sold).
Looking to place a bid? Check out the most sneakers ever sold at auction.