Cooper Flagg’s NBA debut jersey sold for $1 million in a private sale through Sotheby’s, setting a new record for jerseys sold through the auction house’s NBA partnership.
Flagg wore the jersey during the first half of his debut with the Dallas Mavericks against the San Antonio Spurs on October 22, 2025. He recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds in the game. The $1 million sale surpasses the previous Sotheby’s NBA jersey record of $762,000, set by Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey in November 2023.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, commented on the sale: “The $1 million result for Cooper Flagg’s rookie debut jersey is a powerful testament to the significance collectors place on true ‘first moments’ in sport.“
NBA rookie debut jersey market
The Flagg sale reflects a broader trend in the sports memorabilia market, where rookie debut items have commanded increasingly high prices. Wachter noted that “there are some clients that are very interested in rookie debut jerseys,” pointing to sustained collector demand for items tied to a player’s first professional appearance.
Sotheby’s is organizing an additional NBA Rookie Debut auction featuring jerseys from other first-year players. That auction is scheduled to run from March 17 to 23.
Flagg’s early NBA career and collectible value
Flagg’s double-double in his debut contributed to the memorabilia demand. Wachter assessed Flagg’s market positioning, stating, “I think people see Flagg with the potential for an American icon.” The jersey’s value reflects both on-court production and collector speculation about Flagg’s long-term career trajectory.
Upcoming Cooper Flagg memorabilia at auction
A one-of-one autographed Topps trading card featuring the Rookie Debut Patch from Flagg’s first game is expected to be listed in an upcoming sale. Wachter described the card’s anticipated reception: “I think it will be one of the most hyped modern cards that has ever come out.”
The March 17-23 NBA Rookie Debut auction through Sotheby’s will include jerseys from additional 2025-26 rookies alongside the continued market for Flagg-related items.