Kevin O’Leary confirmed as buyer of $12.9 million Kobe Bryant–Michael Jordan card
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Investor and television personality Kevin O’Leary disclosed on Monday that he was the previously unidentified purchaser of a one-of-a-kind trading card signed by NBA legends Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. The autographed card, the only copy known to exist, sold for a record $12.9 million.
O’Leary told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that he joined fellow investors Matt Allen and Paul Warshaw on a 3 a.m. Zoom call to secure the item, opting to pool their resources rather than bid against each other. “I’m very proud to own it,” he said.
Best known for his role on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” O’Leary compared the purchase to his holdings in bitcoin, ethereum, gold and luxury watches, describing the card as a long-term asset. He indicated the group has no plans to sell during his lifetime, allowing it to appreciate as part of an investment index they manage together.
The multimillion-dollar sale underscores the growing market for high-end sports memorabilia. While few basketball cards approach such a price, industry observers note that additional Kobe Bryant cards could command similar sums if they surface.
The card’s sale follows a weekend of tributes to Bryant, whose birthday fell on August 23 and whose legacy is honored annually on “Mamba Day” on August 24. During the celebrations, Nike unveiled the Kobe 3 Protro Low, scheduled for release in 2026 in an all-white “Halo” colorway.
Source: LakersNation.com
