Cooper Flagg's jersey from NBA debut sells for $1 million - ESPN
ESPN
by Dan HajduckyFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg's jersey from his NBA debut has set a new record in sports memorabilia history. Sold privately through Sotheby's, the jersey fetched $1 million, breaking the previous record held by Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey, which sold for $762,000. This sale highlights the growing value of "first moments" in sports collectibles and underscores Flagg's impact as one of the youngest and most promising players in the league.
Cooper Flagg made an immediate impression during his first regular-season game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 22, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. His performance was historic: he became the NBA’s youngest player to score 40 points in a single game and set a record for the most points scored by a teenager (49) in one game. This standout debut made his jersey a highly sought-after piece of memorabilia.
The sale reflects Flagg's early legacy in the league and the allure of rookie debut items among collectors. The $1 million price tag is not only a testament to Flagg’s talent but also to the significance of these initial moments in an athlete’s career. Sotheby's described the sale as evidence of how much collectors value these milestones, which capture the beginning
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/19/2026