Getty
ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 3: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever smiles during the game against the Dallas Wings during the WNBA Preseason Game on May 3, 2024 at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)
Getty
ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 3: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever smiles during the game against the Dallas Wings during the WNBA Preseason Game on May 3, 2024 at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)
Ever since the WNBA No.1 draft pick by the Indiana Fever entered her rookie year, she has been showing how the game is played. As dominant as she was in Iowa, the Rookie of the Year has shattered all records to etch herself as one of the best in history. Be it three-pointers or triple-doubles, she’s got it all under her belt. Now, her WNBA gear is ranking in the dollars as she gears up for the offseason.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
This Friday, Clark’s Rookie of the Year Panini Instant Collection sold out within an hour of being listed for auction. The collection featured a 1/1 Blue Viper Print Autograph Card, which went for $97,212. The seven other parallels that came with it, ranging from $200 to $7000, were sold within the first five minutes. This led the Indiana Fever standout to set yet another record for any Clark card ever sold. But there is more to it. In the process, she overtook Bronny James, the son of LeBron James.
Bronny James was selected by the Lakers as the No.55 pick in the 2024 draft to eventually become teammates with his father. Nevertheless, he was the top attraction of the Summer League. As a result, his jersey earned a staggering $38,400 at Sotheby’s Summer League Selects auction. The purple and gold uniform from the July 12 showdown between the Lakers and the Houston Rockets is now part of the “Lakers Shrine,” — one of the most impressive private collections of Lakers memorabilia according to TMZ.
Top Stories
Bronny James’ Game-Worn Summer League Jersey Sells For $38K At Auction | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/phe4GIijdO
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) October 4, 2024
It might seem like a modest amount until you compare it with the original expectations of $6,000 to $10,000. However, it still doesn’t surpass Clark’s achievement. Even the 22-year-old Iowa native’s previous record was higher than Bronny James’ jersey sale.
Clark’s trajectory is definitely on the rise
In September, Clark’s last record-setting card was a Panini Instant WNBA Draft Blue Viper 1/1, which sold at Fanatics Collect for a staggering $84,000. As of now, the 2003 NetPro Serena Williams Autographed Patch Card, featuring a piece of Williams’ match-worn gear, holds the overall record for female athlete cards. Though Clark hasn’t yet surpassed this, she has certainly joined the ranks of the elite.
In the WNBA, Sabrina Ionescu’s 2020 Panini Prizm WNBA Black Gold Rookie Card was sold for $10,800, marking the first WNBA card to sell for five figures at auction. Following her, Diana Taurasi’s 2004 Ultra Platinum Medallion Card sold for $11,500. Clark’s dominance and the surge in viewership throughout the season have translated into a smooth movement of her cards.
According to data, over 22,000 of Clark’s cards were sold on the secondary market this season. In fact, she ranks 13th overall in card sales among basketball players and 10th among active players. Her current record could very well be broken again if she suits up for Team USA at the 2028 Olympics. What do you think?
Written by
Edited by
Shivatmika Manvi