Super excited to have Scottie Pippen in my autograph collection now! I can’t say enough good things about Powers, this place is awesome!!
Kobe Bryant Autograph Market After His Death
Everyone was of course shocked on 1/26/20 when Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash.
What ensued in the following minutes and hours was a mad rush to pick up his autograph.
There is almost never a good time to talk about topics like this, but it is a part of the autograph industry. Many of you have asked about my opinion on the Kobe Bryant market, so I put together my thoughts below and in video format above.
Let's talk about 4 things related to this topic.
#1 WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MARKET RIGHT AFTER HIS DEATH?
What you saw was a mad rush to eBay, Amazon, and Panini's site to try and pick up as many autographs as possible. Panini was the exclusive memorabilia provider for Kobe. 
Sellers were increasing their prices. Auctions were started. Sellers were trying to capitalize on the market and buyers trying to get the best possible deal.
Items quickly became out of stock, especially the limited edition Panini items.
When I made this video on 1/31/20 there were 7 Panini jerseys that sold for an average price of $7,000 (via eBay auction). Pricing ranged from $4,600-$12,445.
There were 33 PSA DNA authenticated custom jerseys that sold. Average price of $2,900 (via eBay auction) and a range of $999-$8,000. 
Really never seen anything like this in the industry. A super star die at such a young age during the autograph era.
Even when Roberto Clemente or Thurman Munson died, there wasn't a mad rush like this. Mainly because autographs just weren't signed as much and no internet.
#2 WHERE IS THE MARKET CURRENTLY AS OF 1/31/20?
Still no inventory on Panini's website. The highest Panini jersey being auctioned off was at $8,300. Highest PSA DNA one was $4,050. You had the option of buying signed jersey numbers (just the #, no jersey) for $1,075.
#3 WHERE DOES HIS MARKET GO FROM HERE?
All depends what Panini does. If they have product to sell they will set the going rate since no one is going to pay over what Panini is asking for the same exact product. 
I am speculating they do have product, but I do not know for certain.
Looks like there is just a TON of these PSA DNA certed numbers and jerseys on the market. Be very careful with these. While yes, they are authenticated by PSA DNA, it just seems that there are WAY too many of these on the market. I would buy a Panini authenticated item over a PSA DNA item.
If you can wait, I would suggest giving the market some time to settle down. Yes, some items will go out of stock and pickings will be slim. But, you may save some money. However if you do see something you 100% love and have the money for it, buy it. You don't want to be kicking yourself later.
I can see the market coming down about 25% as sellers post a high asking price, then drop it when no sales come in. If you can be patient, it might pay off for you. Do not buy an autograph on the anniversary of his death as prices will be raised during that time.
Kobe signed a lot of product, so there will be autographs available. Just be willing to spend.
#4 WHAT SHOULD YOU PAY?
The million dollar question. Unfortunately, I do not have a crystal ball. Just going off of my knowledge and experience in the industry.
I would think paying $2,000-$2,500 for one of those custom PSA DNA certed jerseys would be a good price. There seems to be more of those out there than Panini jerseys.
Panini ones I do not see coming down in price. Those are in high demand and very few out there. If you have the money, I would spend it on a Panini jersey, 100% authentic and officially licensed. Not going to get any better quality than that.
2 Responses
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 4986 reviews.
Thanks
Thanks
Thanks
More a JSA complaint, but the cert says its a Brunson card. Second out of three times I've had to get JSA to fix an issue with their COA
Looks great
A+
Shipping was fast and it came out great!
After procrastinating for a year on getting Miggy’s signature, I finally got it done. Another awesome addition to the rookie case. Thanks, Matt!
Thanks to Power Sports Memorabilia and to Dennis Rodman for the cool auto....
The autographs turned out better than I could have imagined. Was a pleasant experience from sending to receiving back the items. You have a customer for life.
Nice big autograph!
Great autograph on this giant 2XL jersey
Power Sports was very helpful. They will answer any questions throughout the process of getting your Autograph. And they packed very well when they ship it back to you.
Another great looking signature added to my team signed helmet. It is great to get notifications throughout the process and using UPS is great to protect my items.
Nice autograph signed by former NY Mets great. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Amazing customer service
Very straight forward process and the item lived up to expectations!
I’ve been holding on to this hat forever!! Finally got the opportunity to get it signed NBA legend Alex English.. Courtesy of Powers Sports!
Everything went smooth from ordering the autograph to receiving my item promptly and Natalie was very helpful and responsive with the questions I had.
Again, PSM did a great job!
Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!
Once again, Matt and his team delivered a smooth, professional experience in obtaining a Dustin Pedroia autograph (with authentication) to a book already containing a number of Red Sox greats’ signatures. I recommend Powers Spirts Memorabilia highly.
Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
Great place to do business with. Thank you!
Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
As good as it gets
Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
Your Cart
Your cart is empty.
Randy Wallace jr
May 27, 2021
I have a upper deck 2008 limited number 6 of 200 MVP patched jersey. The same year Kobe won the championship.I really would like to know what I should ask for it. Thanks in advance