Cooper Flagg Rookie Jersey Sells for $1 Million

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A piece of NBA history has changed hands for a record-breaking sum. Cooper Flagg's jersey from his highly anticipated NBA debut was sold privately for $1 million through Sotheby's earlier this month, the auction house announced Thursday. The sale reflects the intense interest surrounding the young star's career, as Flagg is currently averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists for the Mavericks.

Why it matters

The extraordinary price for Flagg's rookie jersey demonstrates the growing market for NBA memorabilia and the increasing interest in young, promising players. Collectors are clearly willing to invest significant sums in items representing the start of what they believe will be exceptional careers.

The details

Sotheby's, the NBA's official game-worn partner, typically offers key jerseys through public auctions. However, the auction house has recently adopted a more strategic approach, selectively holding back items with high potential for appreciation in value. This suggests Sotheby's believes Flagg's career trajectory will continue to drive up the value of his early memorabilia.

• Cooper Flagg's jersey from his Summer League debut sold for $95,250 in a Sotheby's auction last August.
• Flagg's rookie debut jersey was sold privately for $1 million through Sotheby's earlier this month.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Collectors will have further opportunities to acquire rookie debut jerseys this month, as Sotheby's will be auctioning off game-worn items from the first games of VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper, Derik Queen, and others, with bidding opening Thursday.