A 1-of-1 rookie card from LeBron James’ early playing days could break the bank at an upcoming auction.
A report from TMZ Sports shares that the collectible SP Authentic Exquisite Endorsements autographed card comes from James’ 2003-2004 season playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The mint condition card is poised to sell anywhere from $700,000 to $1.2 million today (Aug. 11). According to Gotta Love Rock and Roll Auctions, it told the outlet that “this may very well be one of his finest rookie cards ever printed, and it is the first time it has surfaced in nearly 20 years.”
This isn’t the first time a rare LeBron James playing card has gone for some big coin this year. As previously reported by AfroTech, another 2003 card from the NBA star’s Cavalier days sold for $5.2 million back in April, making it the most expensive basketball card ever. Even PWCC Marketplace called it “the crown jewel of all sports card investing.”
In the last year alone, LeBron James has been making major moves as a player and businessman even reaching $1 billion in career earnings, making him the first active NBA player to accomplish such a milestone. His earnings are attributed to his playing salary, endorsement deals, merchandise, licensing and his media business that’s helping Black and brown creatives.
More than that, James has also made it his business to start an ownership group for the Atlanta Dream to give players more stake in the league — a move that helped Renee Montgomery become the first former player to become an owner of a WNBA franchise team. Beyond basketball, he’s also set his sights on Major League Baseball to become part owner of the Boston Red Sox alongside his longtime business partner, Maverick Carter.
With a stacked business, media and sports reputation, James’ legacy as an all-around living legend speaks volumes to what Black athletes can accomplish both inside and outside of their respective sport with the right amount of drive and determination.
