Cooper Flagg's NBA Debut Jersey Sells for $1 Million

The record-breaking sale highlights the significance of 'first moments' in sports memorabilia

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:15pm

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Cooper Flagg's NBA debut jersey was sold privately through Sotheby's for a record-breaking $1 million. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is currently averaging 20.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game for the Dallas Mavericks in his rookie season.

Why it matters

The sale of Flagg's debut jersey for $1 million underscores the immense value collectors place on memorabilia capturing the start of a player's professional career, especially for highly touted prospects like Flagg who are expected to have long and successful NBA tenures.

The details

Sotheby's, the NBA's official game-worn partner, announced the private sale of Flagg's debut jersey. The $1 million price tag sets a new record for any Flagg-related collectible. Sotheby's has become more strategic in holding back jerseys with high potential value, rather than offering them in public auctions. Collectors will have the chance to bid on other key rookie debut jerseys, including those of VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper, and Derik Queen, in an upcoming Sotheby's auction.

  • Cooper Flagg was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
  • Flagg's NBA debut jersey was sold privately through Sotheby's earlier this month.
  • Flagg's Summer League debut jersey sold in August for $95,250 in a Sotheby's auction.

The players

Cooper Flagg

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, currently averaging 20.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game for the Dallas Mavericks in his rookie season.

Brahm Wachter

Sotheby's Head of Modern Collectibles, who commented on the significance of the $1 million sale of Flagg's debut jersey.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's Head of Modern Collectibles

What’s next

Collectors will have the chance to bid on other key rookie debut jerseys, including those of VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper, and Derik Queen, in an upcoming Sotheby's auction.

The takeaway

The record-breaking sale of Cooper Flagg's NBA debut jersey for $1 million highlights the immense value collectors place on memorabilia capturing the start of a player's professional career, especially for highly touted prospects like Flagg who are expected to have long and successful NBA tenures.