Rookie Cooper Flagg's Debut Jersey Sells for Record $1 Million

The jersey worn by the Dallas Mavericks' 18-year-old phenom in his first NBA game sets a new record price.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The jersey worn by Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg in the first half of his NBA debut has sold for a record $1 million at auction. The sale, conducted by Sotheby's, surpasses the previous record of $762,000 set by Victor Wembanyama's debut jersey in 2023. Flagg, who is averaging 20.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season, became the youngest player in Mavericks history when he debuted at 18 years old.

Why it matters

The record-breaking sale of Flagg's debut jersey highlights the immense star power and excitement surrounding the young player, who has emerged as one of the NBA's top rookies. It also underscores the growing demand and value of sports memorabilia, especially for milestone moments like a player's first professional game.

The details

Flagg's jersey from the first half of his debut game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 22 was sold by Sotheby's on Monday. The auction house noted that the sale price reflects the significance collectors place on 'true 'first moments' in sport' and the 'huge expectations and excitement' surrounding Flagg's promising career.

  • Cooper Flagg made his NBA debut on October 22, 2023.
  • Flagg's debut jersey sold at auction on February 19, 2026.

The players

Cooper Flagg

An 18-year-old rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who is averaging 20.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season.

Victor Wembanyama

A French professional basketball player whose debut jersey previously held the record for highest sale price at $762,000.

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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, Head of Modern Collectibles at Sotheby's (Sotheby's)

What’s next

Sotheby's will host an NBA Rookie Debut Auction from March 17 to 23, featuring the debut jerseys of other top 2023 draft picks including Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper, Derik Queen, and VJ Edgecombe.

The takeaway

The record-breaking sale of Cooper Flagg's debut jersey underscores the immense value and demand for sports memorabilia tied to milestone moments and rising young stars. This sale highlights the growing popularity and financial significance of the NBA rookie class, with collectors willing to pay top dollar for a piece of history from the start of these players' careers.