Just two weeks after Caitlin Clark broke her own record for the most expensive WNBA trading card, her Panini Instant one-of-a-kind Rookie of the Year Blue Viper autograph card (shown below) shattered the record yet again, selling for $97,212.54. Earlier on Sept. 19, another one of Clark’s Panini Instant cards had sold for $84,000.
The recent record-breaking sale took place on Panini’s website through a Dutch auction that started at $100,000 and saw price reductions every five minutes until the card was eventually sold. Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for the card to find a buyer. Alongside the one-of-a-kind Blue Viper card, there were seven other numbered variations of autographed and non-autographed Panini Instant cards celebrating Clark’s Rookie of the Year award, with prices ranging from $250 to $7,500. All these cards sold out within minutes.
The Rookie of the Year card is now the second most expensive women’s sports card ever, falling behind a 2003 NetPro Serena Williams autographed patch card that sold for $266,400 in 2022.
With prices for Caitlin Clark’s existing college and WNBA cards continually climbing, it seems unlikely that the trend will slow down anytime soon. Collectors are eagerly anticipating Panini’s upcoming WNBA trading card sets for the season, beginning with the release of WNBA Origins on October 16. This set will feature rookie cards of Caitlin Clark.
GO DEEPER
Answers to the biggest Caitlin Clark trading card questions
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. By clicking on or making purchases through our links, we may earn a commission.
(Top photo: Greg Fiume/Getty Images; Card image: Panini)