Demand for Kobe Bryant merchandise reached a fever pitch almost immediately after the legendary Laker perished in a helicopter crash Sunday along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other victims.
Bryant apparel on Nike’s website was completely sold out less than a day after the incident, the company confirmed on Wednesday. Many fans have since turned to eBay and other auction sites to purchase any Kobe-related memorabilia they can find. But sellers on auction sites are demanding hefty sums for Bryant trading cards, autographed basketballs, jerseys and shoes.
One eBay user wanted $3 million for a basketball signed by Bryant and the rest of the Lakers’ 2002 “3-peat” championship team on Wednesday. Another asked Bryant fans for $2.88 million for a “one-of-a-kind” ball Bryant signed after winning his first NBA title. The latter seller said the ball will be “worth $10 million in 10 years.”
Michael Jackson’s famous glittery white glove sold for $420,000 in November 2009, five months after the late King of Pop’s untimely death at age 50. The “Happy birthday, Mr. President” dress Marilyn Monroe wore when she serenaded John F. Kennedy in 1962 sold for a record $4.8 million 2016. Last year, the gown Princess Diana donned when she danced with John Travolta at a 1985 White House event sold for $347,000.
Source: CNN
