Cooper Flagg’s Jersey Sold for $1 Million, a Historic Record

The jersey Cooper Flagg wore in his NBA debut with the Dallas Mavericks just fetched a staggering $1 million, setting a new benchmark for memorabilia tied to the American rookie. The private sale, handled by Sotheby’s earlier this month, also marks the highest price ever recorded for a jersey sold through the NBA Auctions platform.

Flagg wore the jersey during the first half of his regular-season debut on October 22, 2025, in a 125–92 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Even in that first outing, he made an impression — finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds in his official introduction to the league.

Cooper Flagg’s NBA debut jersey sold privately via Sotheby’s earlier this month for $1 million.

What is happening with the rest of the top picks’ jerseys? Find out here ➡️ https://t.co/40glyRiynZ pic.twitter.com/MdSoB8DNDH

— cllct (@cllctMedia) February 19, 2026

Enthusiasm Comparable to LeBron James

« I think people see in Flagg the potential of an American icon, » declared Brahm Wachter, head of modern collectibles at Sotheby’s. « I’m not sure I’ve seen such demand for memorabilia from young rookies since LeBron James, at least during my experience in this field. »

This sale far exceeds the previous record held by Victor Wembanyama, whose NBA debut jersey sold for $762,000 in November 2023 at a Sotheby’s auction. Unlike Wembanyama’s jersey, Flagg’s was sold privately rather than at public auction.

READ ALSO

Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel Deliver Historic Duel in Dallas

Jan. 30, 2026

Nicolas Flamecourt

« The $1 million result for Cooper Flagg’s debut jersey powerfully testifies to the importance collectors place on true ‘first moments’ in sport, » added Wachter in a statement. « This jersey captures the very beginning of a special career, carrying enormous expectations and excitement. »

It should be noted that the absolute record for a rookie jersey remains held by Michael Jordan, whose autographed 1984 Chicago Bulls jersey sold for $4.2 million in March 2025 at Sotheby’s. This season, Flagg became the youngest NBA player to score 40 points in a game and holds the record for points scored by a teenager with 49 points.

Sotheby’s will organize an auction of NBA debut jerseys from March 17 to 23, presented in partnership with the league, including jerseys from VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper, and Derik Queen.

READ ALSO

Cooper Flagg Injured Foot: Mavericks Rookie Out Until All-Star Break

Feb. 12, 2026

Nicolas Flamecourt