Sports Card News

Caitlin Clark, the dynamic basketball player from the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, is not only lighting up the court with her incredible performances but is also making waves in the world of sports memorabilia. The talented player, who was named the 2023 Naismith Women’s Player of the Year, is now gaining attention for her trading cards, which are reaching unprecedented values.

Known for her exceptional scoring abilities, with an average of 31.7 points per game and a remarkable count of 40-point games, Clark is poised to make a major impact in the upcoming WNBA draft, where she is expected to be the top pick. Her skills have drawn comparisons to NBA superstar Steph Curry, and she played a crucial role in leading the Hawkeyes to the NCAA championship game last year, earning her the colorful nickname “Sister Splash.”

Off the court, Clark’s trading cards have been turning heads in the sports memorabilia market. At the PWCC Marketplace’s January Premier Auction, her 2022 Bowman University Superfractor 1/1 Rookie Auto card, graded PSA 10, made headlines. Initially listed with a bidding price of $21,600, the card’s value soared to an incredible $38,000 on the final day, setting a new record for the highest-selling women’s basketball card.

This impressive bid surpasses the previous record set by a 2004 Ultra Platinum Medallion Diana Taurasi card, which sold for $11,500. It also outperforms the sale of Sabrina Ionescu’s 2020 Panini Prizm WNBA Black Gold rookie card and outshines the two highest private sales of WNBA cards. Clark’s trading card has truly made history in the women’s basketball collectibles market.

With Clark’s continued success on the court and her exclusive trading card and collectibles contract with Fanatics and Topps, her trading cards are expected to become even more valuable in the future. As she leads the No. 5 ranked Hawkeyes, her memorabilia is anticipated to attract even greater attention and value, marking a significant moment for women’s sports collectibles.

The surge in interest and value surrounding Clark’s trading cards reflects a growing trend in women’s sports collectibles. While men’s sports have traditionally dominated the market, female athletes like Caitlin Clark are proving their worth and captivating collectors. This shift highlights the increasing recognition and appreciation for women’s achievements in sports.

Caitlin Clark’s rise in the trading card market is a testament to her extraordinary skills and the demand for her memorabilia. As her popularity continues to soar, collectors and fans alike eagerly await the dazzling performances she will undoubtedly deliver on the court. With each game she plays, Clark is not only making history in basketball but also leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports collectibles.

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Bob Beamon, the renowned long jumper who set an unbeatable record at the 1968 Summer Olympics, is making headlines once again. This time, it’s not for his athletic achievements but for auctioning off the gold medal that commemorates his iconic long jump. Christie’s Auction House is set to showcase this unique piece of Olympic history as part of The Exceptional Sale, beginning February 1.

Fifty-five years since his astounding performance in Mexico City, Beamon has made the difficult decision to part ways with the symbol of his athletic prowess. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the now 77-year-old athlete expressed his sentiments about letting go of the medal that represents a world record leap of 29 feet, 2 1/2 inches. This record still stands as the benchmark for long jumps in the Olympics. “After enjoying and cherishing this medal for over 55 years, I feel it’s time to let it be appreciated by someone else,” Beamon stated. “This decision is a significant and heartening step for me.”

Not only did Beamon’s extraordinary jump set a new standard in the sport, but it also introduced the term “Beamonesque” into popular lexicon. The term signifies an incredible or extraordinary feat, capturing the awe-inspiring nature of Beamon’s record-setting achievement. Looking back on that momentous day, Beamon reminisced about the disbelief and emotional impact that took time to sink in fully.

Christie’s Auction House estimates that the gold medal could fetch between $400,000 and $600,000. Casey Rogers, Head of The Exceptional Sale, emphasizes the significance of this precious item as a tangible reminder of an exceptional Olympic accomplishment that has stood the test of time. “It’s not just a piece of metal; it connects us directly to a momentous occasion in sports history,” Rogers highlighted.

Beyond his indelible mark in the world of sports, Bob Beamon has also pursued his passion for music. Before dedicating himself to track and field, he considered a career in music and decided to explore it further. His musical journey as a percussionist with Stix Bones and The BONE Squad mirrors the same discipline and commitment he exhibited in sports. Beamon even likened his rigorous practice sessions to training for the Olympics.

To celebrate his entry into the music scene, Beamon will be releasing his recording debut on January 12. The release will be accompanied by a live performance at The Cutting Room in New York City, marking yet another milestone in the life of this legendary athlete. Not only did Beamon achieve historic heights in sports, but he also continues to inspire others through his artistic endeavors.

As the gold medal that symbolizes Bob Beamon’s record-setting long jump goes under the hammer at Christie’s, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this historic auction. Will this unique piece of Olympic history find a new home in the hands of a passionate collector? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Bob Beamon’s remarkable achievements will forever be etched in both the realms of sports and music.

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Fanatics Collectibles, in partnership with Fanatics Live, has unveiled a groundbreaking new initiative called ‘The Ten’ that celebrates and rewards collectors for discovering the top 10 sports cards in the market. Inspired by popular lists like the “Billboard Hot 100” and the FBI’s “Most Wanted,” ‘The Ten’ showcases a dynamic selection of 10 cards spanning all sports. Collectors who successfully pull one of these extraordinary cards on the Fanatics Live app will receive a reward of $10,000 in Fanatics Live credit to fuel their collecting passion.

Each month, ‘The Ten’ will feature a rotation of cards carefully chosen for their rarity and popularity. Among the inaugural selection are highly sought-after cards such as the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Bronny James/LeBron James 1/1 dual-auto card and the yet-to-be-discovered 2023 Bowman Chrome Baseball Draft Tom Brady 12/50 inscribed card.

The lineup of ‘The Ten’ includes a mix of legendary athletes like Tom Brady and Steph Curry, as well as rising stars such as MLB’s Corbin Carroll and Anthony Volpe, and NBA’s Luka Doncic and Chet Holmgren. This diverse collection includes cards from renowned brands such as Panini, Upper Deck, Topps, and Bowman.

James Kollar, senior director of marketing at Fanatics Live, emphasized that the goal of ‘The Ten’ is to elevate the collecting experience and give back to collectors and the hobby. The initiative aims to foster community engagement by allowing participants on the Fanatics Live app and the wider collecting community to have a voice in the selection process for the monthly cards.

In addition to its rewards program, ‘The Ten’ serves as a platform to promote new products and ignite interest in existing releases that feature chase cards. By giving dealers and collectors the opportunity to showcase these exceptional cards, this initiative generates excitement and sparks lively discussions within the collecting community.

Fanatics Live has plans to feature pack and box breaks, as well as special shows centered around ‘The Ten’, where major discoveries will be celebrated and upcoming cards will be announced. A dedicated webpage will track the cards and the collectors who found them, adding to the narrative and excitement around each rare find.

‘The Ten’ program doesn’t just celebrate the cards themselves; it also focuses on the captivating stories behind the collectors and their discoveries, bringing a unique storytelling aspect to the world of sports card collecting. Since its launch, Fanatics Live has experienced steady growth, boasting an impressive average watch time of 56 minutes. This demonstrates the platform’s emergence as a community-focused hub for collectors to connect and engage.

James Kollar expressed his excitement about the potential impact of ‘The Ten’ program, both for the Fanatics brand and the collector community at large. With its emphasis on rewarding and highlighting top sports cards, ‘The Ten’ is set to revolutionize the way collectors engage with the hobby, creating an unparalleled experience for fans and collectors alike.

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In Clean Sweep Auctions’ inaugural event of the year 2024, a remarkable assortment of pre-War baseball cards has taken center stage. Among the notable offerings are two highly sought-after T206 cards, which have captivated the attention of vintage baseball memorabilia collectors.

One of the highlights in this collection is the T206 Ray Demmitt card, graded SGC 2, and the Bill O’Hara card, graded SGC 1.5. These cards are accompanied by numerous Hall of Famers, all part of the renowned “monster” set, prominently featured in the event’s online catalog.

An equally impressive inclusion is the Ty Cobb ‘bat on shoulder’ variant card, adorned with a Sovereign 350 back and graded PSA 3. Additionally, a Cy Young portrait card, with an SGC 4 grade, stands out as a noteworthy item within the auction listings.

One of the rare gems in this auction is a set of four M110 Sporting Life Cabinet cards from 1911. This highly coveted set showcases baseball legends such as Honus Wagner, Frank Chance, Nap Lajoie, and Christy Mathewson. The scarcity of these cards, dating back over a century, contributes to their significant value, representing a limited number of surviving examples from this early endeavor of a sports newspaper in card production.

The auction also features other notable cards, including an 1887 Allen & Ginter Mike “King” Kelly card graded SGC 5, a 1907 Dietsche Ty Cobb postcard (with the name on the front variation) graded SGC 1, and a rare 1908 Rose Postcard highlighting Hall of Famer Addie Joss. Furthermore, collectors will find a collection of 1911 Turkey Red Cabinets, which includes cards of Walter Johnson, Eddie Collins, Home Run Baker, Rube Waddell, and Addie Joss.

Continuing the lineup of key lots, the auction offers a 1921 Exhibit Babe Ruth card graded PSA 2, a 1928 Harrington’s Ice Cream Ruth card graded SGC 1.5, a 1933 George C. Miller Dizzy Dean card graded SGC 3, and a pair of 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig cards (graded PSA 2 and SGC 3.5 respectively). Additionally, collectors can bid on a 1933 Goudey 149 Ruth card rated SGC 5, a 1939 Play Ball Ted Williams rookie card graded SGC 3, a 1948-49 Leaf Jackie Robinson rookie card graded Beckett 2, a PSA 9 graded 1950 Callahan set, and crucial rookie cards of Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays from the 1951 Bowman series. Not to be missed are the 1952 Berk Ross Mantle card graded PSA 3, the 1952 Bowman Mantle card graded PSA 5, the 1954 Johnson Cookies Aaron rookie card graded PSA 7, and the 1958 Hires Root Beer with tab Willie Mays card graded PSA 7.

Furthermore, the auction boasts complete sets, including the 1957 and 1967 Topps sets, with the latter featuring 90 graded cards.

The auction surprises enthusiasts with unique items such as an autographed 1953 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle card, a PSA 8 graded Jackie Robinson signed Hall of Fame postcard, and a 1931 Yankees team signed baseball.

For collectors of unopened material, the auction presents a 1988 Fleer basketball wax box and a 1986 Topps football rack box.

The event commences with an exceptional item newly discovered by the hobby community: a 1939 Joe Cronin Boston Red Sox road flannel jersey, which has been awarded a MEARS rating of 9.

Other items of interest include a series of Chicago Cubs signed team sets dating back to the 1950s, thirteen different Derek Jeter autographed cards (most signed before his MLB debut in the mid-1990s), and a Lou Gehrig autograph.

Basketball card collectors will delight in finding two Bird/Magic rookies and two Michael Jordan rookies. The football section encompasses vintage sets, Tom Brady rookie cards, and a ticket from the famous 1958 “greatest game” between the Colts and the Giants.

To complete the auction, an array of baseball memorabilia is up for bidding, featuring 19th-century Chicago Cubs home scorecards, a 1906 Red Sox scorecard, a 1920 Who’s Who with Babe Ruth on the cover, numerous World Series items, a 1912 tabletop baseball game, an original telephone from Ebbets Field, tickets, pennants, and a high-grade set of Hartland statues.

Bidders have until January 31st to participate in this extensive and impressive collection of baseball and sports memorabilia. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of history and add these valuable items to your collection.

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In the world of sports collectibles, certain players stand out as the hottest commodities on auction sites, captivating collectors with their exceptional talents and promising careers. These athletes, hailing from various sports, have become the focal point of collectors’ interests.

Brock Purdy, the surprising standout quarterback, has taken the football world by storm. Purdy’s ascent from a last-round draft pick to a high-impact player has not only made headlines but has also spiked the demand for his memorabilia. Collectors are eagerly seeking out his jerseys, cards, and autographed items, betting on his potential to become one of the greats in football history.

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation in baseball, has redefined what it means to be a versatile player. His ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter has drawn comparisons to legends like Babe Ruth. Ohtani’s memorabilia, especially items that capture both aspects of his game, are highly prized. His rookie cards, signed baseballs, and jerseys are particularly sought after, reflecting his unique place in baseball history.

Jalen Hurts, another rising star in the NFL, has captured the attention of collectors with his dynamic playing style as a quarterback. Hurts’ memorabilia has become a hot commodity, with his rookie cards and signed jerseys leading the charge. His growing success on the field has translated into increasing value for his collectibles, making them a must-have for football enthusiasts.

Ronald Acuña Jr., the dynamic outfielder in Major League Baseball, has become a favorite among collectors. Known for his power hitting and speed, Acuña’s memorabilia, especially his rookie cards and signed bats, are in high demand. His youthful energy and potential for a long, successful career make his collectibles a wise investment.

C.J. Stroud, the impressive college quarterback, has already caught the eye of collectors. As he edges closer to a professional career, Stroud’s college memorabilia, including jerseys and signed items, have seen a surge in demand. Collectors are eager to acquire pieces associated with his early career, anticipating his future success in the NFL.

Victor Wembanyama, the basketball prodigy, is already a sensation among collectors, despite not yet playing in the NBA. His towering height and remarkable skills have made him one of the most anticipated players, and collectors are on the lookout for any memorabilia associated with him, from jerseys to cards and signed items.

Corey Seager, the All-Star shortstop in Major League Baseball, continues to be a favorite among collectors. His steady performance and key role in his team’s successes have made his memorabilia, like signed jerseys and bats, highly desirable. Seager’s consistent play and potential for future accolades keep his items at the top of collectors’ lists.

Lionel Messi, the soccer legend, remains one of the most sought-after figures in sports collectibles. His incredible career, filled with record-breaking achievements and mesmerizing plays, has made his memorabilia, including signed jerseys and balls, especially valuable. Messi’s global appeal ensures that his items are coveted by collectors worldwide.

Connor Bedard, the hockey sensation, is already making waves in the world of collectibles. His exceptional talent and potential as a future NHL star have made his jerseys, cards, and signed items hot commodities. Collectors are keen to acquire memorabilia linked to Bedard, anticipating his future impact on the sport.

Julio Rodriguez, another rising star in baseball, has quickly become a favorite among collectors. His impressive debut and potential as a power hitter have driven demand for his rookie cards and autographed items. Rodriguez’s early success and promising future make his memorabilia a valuable addition for collectors.

Each of these athletes, with their unique talents and burgeoning careers, represents a golden opportunity for collectors. Their memorabilia not only celebrates their current achievements but also holds the promise of future greatness, making them the hottest names on auction sites right now. So if you’re a collector looking to get in on the action, keep an eye out for these star athletes and grab their memorabilia while you can.

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Memory Lane’s Premier Auction is currently underway, captivating sports card enthusiasts with its exclusive collection of rare and highly coveted vintage cards. With only 120 cards on offer, this meticulously curated event is sure to attract collectors looking for unique and historically significant pieces.

One of the standout cards in the auction is the 1909 T204 Ramly Walter Johnson rookie card. Graded PSA 8 and one of only two in NM/MT condition, this card has already reached a six-figure bid. Another prized card is the scarce T206 Ty Cobb Portrait (Green) card, with only three copies graded PSA 7 in existence. Also on offer is a PSA 6 Cobb ‘Bat Off Shoulder’ Old Mill back.

The pre-war era is well-represented in the auction, featuring exceptional cards like the PSA 7 graded T206 Cy Young and the highest graded PSA 9 T206 Nap Lajoie (Throwing) card. However, the true gem of the auction is the 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle card, graded PSA 9. With only 13 cards graded at this level, this card is highly sought-after by collectors, with only two known to be higher graded.

But the legacy of Mickey Mantle doesn’t end there. The auction also includes six additional cards from the 1950s, each graded either 8 or 9. Notable mentions include prized versions from the 1953 Topps and Bowman series.

Roberto Clemente’s cards from 1956 to 1973 dominate the auction, with numerous Mint 9 graded cards outnumbering those of other players. Willie Mays also makes his mark with exceptional pieces, such as a rare 1962 Topps card graded PSA 9 and a 1970 Topps card, one of only two graded PSA 10.

Jackie Robinson fans will be delighted to find four of his cards in the auction. Highlights include PSA graded versions of his 1949 Bowman and 1952 Topps issues. The auction also features PSA 10 rookie cards of baseball greats George Brett and Rickey Henderson.

Football enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either, as the auction offers high-grade rookie cards of Frank Gifford, Johnny Unitas, and Joe Namath. Basketball collectors, on the other hand, will be treated to rookie cards of Bill Russell (PSA 7), Wilt Chamberlain (PSA 8), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (PSA 8), Larry Bird/Magic Johnson (PSA 9), and Michael Jordan (PSA 8).

Memory Lane’s Premier Auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of sports history. With the auction culminating on February 4th, interested buyers can find more details on Memory Lane’s website. Don’t miss out on the chance to add these rare and highly sought-after vintage cards to your collection.

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Title: Sports Collectible Market Declines in 2023, Altan Insights Report Reveals

Subtitle: Ultra-modern and modern cards see significant sales drop, vintage cards fare better

Meta Description: The sports collectible market experienced a decline in 2023, with ultra-modern and modern cards experiencing the sharpest decrease in sales, while vintage cards performed relatively better, according to a report by Altan Insights.

The sports collectible market took a hit in 2023, according to a comprehensive report by Altan Insights, a company specializing in monitoring sales across various collectible markets. The report, based on data from Card Ladder, revealed a downward trend that started approximately 18 months ago and continued throughout the year.

Sales of ultra-modern cards, which are cards issued from 2009 to the present, saw a significant decline of 34.8% compared to the previous year. Modern cards, defined as those from 1984 to 2008, also experienced a downturn, with sales dropping by 30.8%. However, vintage cards fared relatively better, despite a decline in overall sales.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, vintage and pre-war cards outperformed their modern and ultra-modern counterparts, further solidifying their advantage in the collectible market for the year. Altan’s report pointed out that football, soccer, racing, and basketball cards saw the most substantial price declines.

The report highlighted that high-end football cards, particularly those of quarterbacks, struggled to regain their value, with injuries to popular quarterbacks in the latter half of the season exacerbating the situation. Additionally, the top 50 sales at most auction houses experienced a significant decline from 2022 to 2023. Interestingly, the decline was less pronounced in the next tier of sales, indicating a slightly stronger demand in the mid-range market segment.

Key findings from Altan’s 41-page report on the fourth quarter and the year 2023 include a 40% year-over-year and 27% quarter-over-quarter drop in the number of six-figure auction sales in Q4. This marked the lowest total in the past three years, signaling a noticeable decrease in high-value sales.

In 2023, there were eleven recorded sales of baseball items exceeding $1 million, with eight of them involving cards or memorabilia of legendary figures Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. These sales were spread across five different auction houses, highlighting the continued demand for iconic players.

Basketball cards experienced a distinct shift from the previous year, with no seven-figure sales recorded in 2023 compared to twelve in 2022. Altan attributed this disappearance in demand to modern patch cards at high price points, which failed to regain popularity throughout the year.

Examining the top-selling cards of currently active basketball players on eBay in the last four months of 2023, the list featured names like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the market for LeBron James and Steph Curry cards across all platforms saw a significant decline of over 40% last year, while Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant cards remained relatively stable.

Interestingly, Jordan cards from the late 1990s accounted for five of the top ten Jordan card sales in the fourth quarter, including three of the top five. This indicates the enduring popularity of Michael Jordan and the continued demand for cards featuring him from that era.

While the market for game-worn and game-used memorabilia showed only modest growth compared to the previous year, the top 25 and top 50 sales in this category in 2023 were more than double the levels achieved in 2021. This suggests that collectors and investors still have a strong interest in owning unique pieces of sports history.

Overall, Altan Insights’ report provides a comprehensive overview of the changing dynamics within the sports collectible market. It sheds light on the fluctuations in different segments and highlights the evolving interests of collectors and investors in this domain.

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An extraordinary piece of baseball memorabilia is set to make waves in the auction world this month. A highly sought-after 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard, featuring a young Babe Ruth in his rookie season, is expected to be the star attraction in an upcoming auction. With only ten such graded postcards known to exist, this find is an incredible opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The prestigious auction house, Heritage Auctions, is gearing up to present this exceptional item in their highly anticipated February Platinum Auction. Notably, this postcard holds the distinction of being the highest-graded example of any Babe Ruth rookie card, with a PSA rating of 6. With a pre-sale estimate suggesting a price tag of over $1 million, this postcard is sure to captivate bidders.

The postcard showcases the 1915 Boston Red Sox team, proudly recognized as the “American League Champions.” This title indicates that the postcard was likely produced around the time of the 1915 World Series. Babe Ruth, in his debut season, is prominently featured in the back row of the team photograph, cementing his place in baseball history.

During the 1915 World Series, the Red Sox’s home games were played at Braves Field, which belonged to the city’s National League team. Braves Field was chosen due to its larger seating capacity when compared to Fenway Park, which was still a relatively new stadium at that time.

The postcard identifies each member of the Red Sox team by last name and playing position. Of particular interest, Babe Ruth is seen standing next to Carl Mays, another rookie pitcher. Mays would later join Ruth in playing for the 1920 New York Yankees and is unfortunately remembered for a tragic incident in which his pitch struck and killed Cleveland player Ray Chapman in August of that same year. The card also features Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Harry Hooper, adding further historical significance to this piece.

This auction follows the recent sale of a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card for an astonishing $7.25 million. Interestingly, both the 1914 and 1915 cards have a graded population of only ten each, further highlighting their rarity and value.

Heritage Auctions has aptly described this 1915 postcard as one of the most significant trading cards ever to grace the hobby’s auction market. Its scarcity and historical importance make it a highly coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts.

Bidders and fans of Babe Ruth will have the opportunity to participate in this momentous event as the auction bidding is set to commence on February 2nd. This auction promises to be a standout occasion for baseball history collectors and fans of the legendary Babe Ruth himself. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of baseball’s golden era.

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Upper Deck, a prominent name in the trading card industry, has recently announced the extension of its licensing partnership with the NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA). This renewed agreement solidifies Upper Deck’s exclusive rights to produce and distribute physical trading cards featuring over a thousand former NHL athletes.

According to Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, this renewal is a strategic move for the company. Masherah recognizes the vital role played by the NHLAA in enriching Upper Deck’s offerings, allowing them to feature trading cards and autographs of hockey’s greatest players. This partnership enhances the collectibles market, catering to the passionate hockey enthusiast community.

The NHL Alumni Association, based in Ontario, has been actively supporting former NHL players. Their group licensing program, initiated in June 2017, grants the NHLAA the authority to use the collective image rights of its members. This program helps fund various programs and initiatives of the association. The participation of legendary players like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Ray Bourque, among others, contributes to the success of this program, with nearly a hundred Hall of Fame inductees involved.

Upper Deck’s collaboration with the NHLAA reflects the broad commercial appeal of the association. Apart from producing trading cards, the NHLAA is also involved in other activities such as player appearances, professional-amateur tournaments, career transition programs, and an annual stick auction. These initiatives celebrate the sport and honor its legacy.

Glenn Healy, the Executive Director of the NHL Alumni Association, expressed his enthusiasm about the extended partnership with Upper Deck. He highlighted the significant role that Upper Deck trading cards play in capturing and preserving the heritage of hockey. This agreement ensures that fans and collectors across different generations can continue to cherish and celebrate the iconic NHL Alumni who have contributed to shaping the game.

In an exciting development, Upper Deck also announced plans to expand its product line to include digital trading cards, available through its Evolution platform. This move signifies the company’s efforts to bridge the gap between traditional collecting and the digital age. The introduction of digital trading cards offers a new medium for fans and collectors to connect with the rich history of hockey.

In conclusion, the extended licensing agreement between Upper Deck and the NHL Alumni Association not only establishes Upper Deck as the exclusive producer of physical trading cards featuring former NHL players but also marks a significant foray into the world of digital collectibles. This partnership aims to enrich the legacy of hockey for a new generation of fans and collectors, combining the best of traditional and digital collecting experiences.

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In a truly remarkable event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, a set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is about to hit the auction block. After being privately held for years, these iconic pieces of sports history are now poised to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by the prestigious Sotheby’s. Scheduled to open on February 2nd, this highly anticipated auction features the sneakers as part of a larger collection and boasts an impressive pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million.

Known as The Dynasty Collection, these sneakers were once the prized possession of a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during the team’s era of dominance in the 1990s. The tradition of Jordan gifting Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory led to the formation of this unique collection.

Displayed at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Each sneaker in the collection has been personally autographed by Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.

The collection, aptly named by Sotheby’s, showcases various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore during his illustrious career. It includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911; the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model without Nike branding; the Air Jordan VIII (1993) featuring the iconic “x-strap” design; the famous “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) known for its translucent sole; the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997); and the early prototype “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), mirroring his Ferrari 550 Maranello.

Adding to the allure of this extraordinary collection is a set of unique signed photographs capturing Jordan in the moments following each championship win, wearing only one sneaker – the other already in Hallam’s possession. This playful and historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam showcases the personal nature of this collection.

Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection stands as a testament to Jordan’s evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. The authenticity and history of these sneakers have been rigorously verified, involving detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other experts.

This upcoming auction follows the historical sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for $2.2 million – the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The auction of The Dynasty Collection is more than just a sports memorabilia event; it offers a rare and unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. These sneakers, worn by one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan, embody his legacy and are sure to be highly sought after by collectors and fans alike.

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