9 Collectible Sports Memorabilia That Can Fetch a Small Fortune

The sports memorabilia market was valued at approximately $33.6 billion in 2024 and is set to hit $271.2 billion by 2034. While you may not have a Mickey Mantle rookie card hiding in the attic, modern sports collectibles are fetching impressive auction prices.

Collectors are always after GOAT-worthy players and are willing to shell out for their memorabilia. But if you’re looking for profit, consider snagging lower-cost items from today’s rising stars with the potential to become future legends to make cash on the side in the future.

Here are nine pieces of sports memorabilia that could fetch a pretty penny.

In 2023, Topps began releasing special cards titled “Topps Rookie Debut Patch” featuring autographs from players and a patch they wore during their MLB debut. The patch for Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes is one of the most sought-after, and just one of his other Topps rookie cards sold for $123,220 at auction.

While finding a card pack with the patch is hard, even the rookie cards alone will be worth something with a Skenes 2023 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Autographs Superfractor 1/1 recently sold for $80,520.

Sneakers are big business now, and buyers love their Air Jordans. If you have any special edition shoes in mint condition, you could be in for a substantial payday.

Given how many limited edition runs there have been, there’s plenty of potential for a lucrative find. Nike and the rock band Shinedown did an exclusive collaboration in 2018, and a pair of them recently sold on eBay for $5,600.

As the heir apparent to Tom Brady as the greatest NFL player, Patrick Mahomes memorabilia is a hot commodity these days. If you have any memorabilia from his 2017 rookie season, you’ll be able to cash out.

The Donruss Optic series of trading cards are super high quality, and the Patrick Mahomes rookie card is highly sought after and valued at around $2,000.

Since setting the college basketball world ablaze, Clark has become the face of the WNBA, so hang on to any rookie cards you may have. A recent Caitlin Clark Rookie of the Year Panini Instant Collection Blue Viper 1/1 Autograph was sold for a whopping $97,212 at auction.

Even signed jerseys and other cards routinely sell for $1,000 or more. Given her rising popularity, these prices may go up in the future, so you might not want to sell just yet.

Wearing an old football kit is a big fashion statement now, and if you have any old jerseys from European soccer clubs, the market is ready for you. Kits from legendary teams from the past or ones featuring iconic designs are the most in-demand

For example, the jersey for West Germany’s 1990 World Cup champion team is now worth over £300. In the modern world of European soccer, many clubs do special edition kits with famous fashion houses, so you want to swoop those up as well.

As the most-hyped basketball prospect since LeBron James, Victor Wembaynama is someone to watch for years, especially if you have any of his rookie cards.

A card in decent condition can fetch well over $100 at auction now, with autographed cards going for much higher. You can make a quick buck now or wait a few years for Wembaynama to get into his physical prime and watch these items take off in value.

As the best player on the NBA’s most valuable team, anything Curry-related is bound to be worth something. From his signature Under Armour shoes to trading cards, there’s a lot of memorabilia out there waiting to be sold.

A Curry rookie card easily fetches $6,500 in good condition, so if you were wise enough to take a chance on the Warriors' budding star in 2009, you’d be handsomely rewarded now.

Few players transcend their sport in the same way as James, who has won four NBA titles with three different franchises. 

While you probably don’t have his rookie card from back in 2003, plenty of other memorable pieces could go for big lumps of cash at auction, like his special edition sneakers.

A pair of 2013 Nike LeBron 10 Elite Peach Jam’s recently sold for $1,754 on eBay, so those old shoes in your closet might need to be dusted off.

It’s no surprise that memorabilia from the undisputed GOAT goes for a lot. Trading cards for the legendary 1992 Olympic Basketball Dream Team routinely go for $950 at auction, but you’d be surprised at how many later-career Jordan cards go for large sums.

A card from one of Jordan’s final seasons with the Washington Wizards recently sold on eBay for $2,025, so if you managed to keep any memorabilia from his short stint with that franchise, you’re in line for a potentially big payday.

The wild world of sports collectibles isn’t going anywhere soon. This market is expected to boom as millennials age and look to buy valuable assets. Understanding the trends can help you decide whether to buy memorabilia or sell your old inventory.

If you play your cards right, it can be a great way to make extra money on the side.