Keeping Score: Investing in Sports Memorabilia

In the world of sports, moments become memories, and memories turn into treasures. For enthusiasts and collectors, investing in sports memorabilia transcends physical possession; it's a connection to history, a celebration of achievements, and a testament to the spirit of competition. Whether it's a signed jersey, a game-worn glove, or a ticket from a historic event, each item holds a unique story and a piece of the sporting legacy. 

Sports memorabilia serves as a tangible link to the past, preserving moments that have shaped the sporting landscape. From iconic plays to legendary rivalries, these artifacts capture the essence of each era, allowing fans to relive the excitement and drama of bygone days; whether it's a Babe Ruth baseball bat, a Muhammad Ali signed photograph, or a pair of signed Jordans.

For many, these items evoke cherished memories of childhood heroes, unforgettable victories, and shared experiences with loved ones.

Investment Potential

While the emotional appeal of sports memorabilia is undeniable, it also represents a viable investment opportunity. Over the years, the value of certain items has skyrocketed, with rare and coveted pieces fetching exorbitant prices at auctions and private sales. From rookie cards to championship rings, savvy collectors have turned their passion for sports into lucrative ventures, capitalising on the growing demand for authentic memorabilia. With the advent of online marketplaces and authentication services, investing in sports memorabilia has never been more accessible or rewarding. The sports memorabilia market has experienced significant growth over the past decade. The projected growth of the worldwide sports memorabilia market indicates a surge to $227.2 billion by 2032, a significant increase from its $26.1 billion valuation in 2021.

Putting things perspective: world records

Jersey

A jersey worn by basketball icon Michael Jordan during the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals has been sold for a record $10.1 million. It is the highest a piece of sporting memorabilia worn during play has fetched in history. Auction house Sotheby's says it drew "palpable excitement" from collectors. It was reminiscent of a sporting season - chronicled in Netflix documentary The Last Dance - which saw Jordan winning his sixth and final NBA title. "Today's record-breaking result solidifies Michael Jordan as the undisputed G.O.A.T., proving his name and incomparable legacy is just as relevant as it was nearly 25 years ago," Sotheby's head of streetwear and modern collectibles, Brahm Wachter, said. 

For our first ever sport memorabilia release at Splint Invest, we are thrilled to be starting with 2 pairs of signed Micheal Jordan sneakers. 

Sport Card

The record for highest-selling sports card has changed three times since January 2021. It has been held by two different Honus Wagner T206 cards and two 1952 Mickey Mantle cards. In 2022, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sold for $12.6 million.  "This card is arguably the finest-condition example of the most iconic post-war card in the world," Chris Ivy, Heritage's director of sports auctions, said in a statement. "That grade, plus the fact it has documented provenance from the most storied find in hobby history, puts this card in a category of its own."

Sneaker

Sold at Sotheby's for $8 million, the final price cements the Dynasty Collection as the most expensive game-worn collection ever sold, and the second-most valuable Michael Jordan memorabilia ever fetched at auction (coming in behind Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 jersey from the famous ‘Last Dance’, mentioned above. ‘Dynasty Collection’, contains six individual Air Jordan sneakers (Air Jordan 6, Air Jordan 7, Air Jordan 8, Air Jordan 11, Air Jordan 12 and Air Jordan 14) and they were all worn during the clinching games of Jordan’s Chicago Bulls’ championships.