1992 Sports Illustrated featuring Jordan sells for record price thanks to Kobe connection

A special Sports Illustrated magazine from 1992 sold for a record $59,887 at Goldin Auctions. The reason for the high price may surprise you.

The magazine was not signed by Jordan or anything. What makes it special is the person who bought the magazine… a 13-year-old Kobe Bryant.

The magazine set numerous records. First, it became the most expensive sold unsigned subscription copy of a Sports Illustrated magazine. The previous record was Mickey Mantle’s first appearance (1956) on SI magazine for $17,400.

It also broke the record for the most paid for a celebrity’s copy of a magazine. The previous record was for a copy of LIFE magazine’s 50th anniversary of the moon landing featuring Neil Armstrong. It sold for $21,250.