15 of the Biggest Sports Collectors in the World – and the Priceless Memorabilia They Own

Sports memorabilia collecting is more than just a hobby—it’s a passion, an investment, and, for some, a lifelong pursuit. From rare jerseys worn during championship games to iconic game balls, historic bats, signed photographs, and million-dollar trading cards, collectors around the globe have built treasure troves of sports history that rival museum exhibits.

Whether it’s the love of the game, the thrill of the hunt, or the sheer value of the pieces, these collectors have elevated sports memorabilia into a serious art form. And if you’ve ever considered starting your own collection, you’ll quickly learn that how you display it is just as important as what you own. Presentation can turn a simple jersey into a centerpiece—and one easy, affordable way to do that without expensive framing is with the Sport Displays Jersey Mount, a sleek, North American–made solution for hanging jerseys in any space.

Below, we highlight 15 of the biggest sports collectors in the world, spanning multiple sports and generations.

1. Ken Kendrick – Baseball’s Crown Jewels

Managing general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ken Kendrick is famous for owning some of baseball’s rarest cards—including the legendary T206 Honus Wagner, often called the “Mona Lisa” of sports cards. His collection is valued in the tens of millions and features multiple one-of-a-kind pieces.

2. Patrick Bet-David – The Storyteller Collector

Entrepreneur and media personality Patrick Bet-David blends historical value with storytelling in his collection. From game-worn Michael Jordan jerseys to Muhammad Ali’s signed gloves, every piece he owns carries a narrative of greatness.

3. Gary Cypres – The Museum Builder

Gary Cypres has assembled one of the most comprehensive sports collections in the world, showcased at his Sports Museum of Los Angeles. His holdings span baseball, basketball, football, and beyond, featuring vintage cards, game-used gear, and historical artifacts.

4. Richard Davis – The Basketball Archivist

Richard Davis’s passion for basketball, especially the NBA, is unmatched. His collection features rare jerseys, trading cards, sneakers, and memorabilia from the game’s greatest legends.

5. Bob Crotty – Cubs Forever

Chicago Cubs superfan Bob Crotty has built a remarkable collection of Cubs memorabilia, including vintage artifacts and items tied to the franchise’s most iconic players.

6. Brad Horn – Baseball’s Storyteller

Former Baseball Hall of Fame spokesperson Brad Horn curates a wide-ranging collection of baseball history—from early-era equipment to artifacts tied to the sport’s biggest moments.

7. David Amerman – The Card Connoisseur

David Amerman is known for his focus on rare baseball cards, autographs, and vintage memorabilia. His attention to authenticity and rarity has made his collection one of the most respected in the industry.

8. Chris Ivy – The Auction Master

As director of sports auctions at Heritage Auctions, Chris Ivy has handled and collected some of the world’s most valuable sports memorabilia, particularly in the sports card market.

9. Shaun A. Chaulk – Gretzky’s Greatest Fan

Canadian businessman Shaun A. Chaulk is one of the most recognized Wayne Gretzky memorabilia collectors, owning everything from game-worn skates to sticks from record-breaking games.

10. Hal Steinbrenner – A Yankee Legacy

As the principal owner of the New York Yankees, Hal Steinbrenner has access to and ownership of some of baseball’s most storied artifacts, including jerseys, bats, and championship rings from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

11. Wayne Gretzky – The Great Collector

Not only is Wayne Gretzky a hockey legend, but he’s also a dedicated collector, owning milestone jerseys, Stanley Cup artifacts, and items from other NHL greats.

12. Pete Siegel – The Baseball Preservationist

Pete Siegel’s collection of thousands of baseballs, bats, jerseys, and other artifacts has earned him recognition in documentaries and sports media for preserving baseball history.

13. Sports Immortals – The Platt Legacy

Founded by Joel Platt, Sports Immortals is one of the largest and most diverse sports collections in history. After surviving a life-threatening accident at age four, Platt dedicated over 80 years and one million miles of travel to gather over a million mementos from the world’s greatest athletes, from Muhammad Ali and Babe Ruth to Serena Williams and Lionel Messi.

14. Tom Brady – A Personal Hall of Fame

While best known for his on-field achievements, Tom Brady has privately curated a collection of personal game-used jerseys, Super Bowl memorabilia, and rare sports items gifted by fellow athletes.

15. Jerry Rice – The GOAT’s Keepsakes

NFL legend Jerry Rice holds on to a number of his personal career artifacts, including game-worn jerseys, Super Bowl rings, and signed memorabilia that highlight his place as one of football’s all-time greats.

The Collector’s Lesson: Display Matters

Whether it’s Ken Kendrick’s million-dollar baseball cards, Joel Platt’s “all sports halls of fame under one roof,” or a single jersey that takes you back to a championship game you’ll never forget—presentation turns memorabilia into legacy pieces. That’s why collectors, from world-famous curators to weekend hobbyists, invest in proper display solutions.

For jerseys especially, the Sport Displays Jersey Mount offers an affordable, professional way to hang them without the cost of custom framing—making it easier to turn your wall into a personal sports museum.