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From Tom Brady to LeBron James: 10 most expensive autographs in sports

How much is their value, and which other athletes‘ autographs are worth the most?


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
AUGUST 15, 2023 4:35 PM EDT

Many sports enthusiasts and collectors aspire to own a valuable piece of memorabilia with the signature of a top athlete. However, what sets certain stars apart is their remarkable ability to exponentially escalate the value of an item with a simple stroke of the pen.

Fascinating information has been discovered by carefully examining auction data for various autographed sports items, such as baseballs and jerseys. Betting.com has uncovered several highly respected American sports figures from the NFL, NBA, and MLB, each with autographs that are worth a substantial amount.

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Above all is the iconic Babe Ruth, whose autograph commands an average value exceeding $3,500. As one of the inaugural members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and a figure synonymous with greatness in sports, Ruth’s distinction as the foremost player of his era resonates profoundly. Unsurprisingly, his signature holds the highest value, averaging an impressive $3,516.

Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York, USA.© GettyImages

Lou Gehrig, a prominent member of the New York Yankees, is highly regarded for his autograph, which has an average value of $2,368. His impact on the sport is evident in the autographed memorabilia that collectors still cherish today.

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Michael Jordan stands alone, literally and figuratively, as the most dominant athlete with the most coveted autograph. His name alone evokes memories of basketball greatness and transcendent global impact. His autograph, a symbol of his lasting legacy, holds an average value of $1,879, cementing his status as a true legend.

Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York, USA.© GettyImages

Continuing the storied legacy of the New York Yankees, the ranks of autographed memorabilia hold yet another illustrious name - Mickey Mantle. Mantle’s autograph boasts an average valuation of $386, a testament to his enduring impact on the realm of MLB and fans‘ hearts.

Cleveland Indians v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim© GettyImages

Shifting the focus to the contemporary scene, the living embodiment of baseball prowess, Mike Trout, emerges as the preeminent MLB star with the most coveted signature. With an average value of $370, Trout’s autograph encapsulates the excitement of today’s game while preserving the tradition and anticipation that have become synonymous with America’s favorite pastime.

Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals Game 2 Air Jordan 13s On Auction At Sotheby's© GettyImages

Kobe Bryant has an estimated average autograph valuation of $903. His impact on the sport and the hearts of fans worldwide is evident in the premium attached to his signature.

Miami Heat v Atlanta Hawks© GettyImages

Not far behind is another towering figure in basketball’s modern pantheon, LeBron James, with an autograph value of $811. A paragon of athleticism and charisma, James has etched his mark on the court and in the hearts of enthusiasts who hold his autograph as a prized emblem of his era-defining career.

AMFOOT-NFL-BRADY-RETIRE© GettyImages

Tom Brady is the NFL star with the most expensive autograph, worth around $1,116 on average. Meanwhile Hall of Fame star Reggie White comes in second place with an estimated autograph value of $377.