• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 12, 2025

A Stock Market for Memorabilia

Photo: Collectible/Design: Alex Brooks

If you want to cash in on sports collectibles without the labor of searching for unique mementos, meet Joel Platt.

The 82-year-old’s collection of sports memorabilia items — all locked in a high-security vault in Florida — has gone public.

After opening the Sports Immortals Museum in 1995, Platt is now selling shares of his collection through IPOs for individual items on collectable.com.

“The IPO sold out, but shares have begun trading at prices based on investor demand, via a secondary market [on the site] — similar to that of Wall Street,” said Ezra Levine, CEO of Collectable. “It’s one way for investors to realize profits.”

Platt sourced his collection of more than one million items by creating relationships with sports moguls, traveling the world, and understanding which mementos will carry value.

He started collecting when he was four years old. His parents got him a Babe Ruth baseball card when he was bedridden after suffering injuries from a gasoline explosion.

Platt’s collection includes:

  • Michael Jordan’s 1984 game-used rookie jersey, valued at $242,000. The IPO sold out in under 15 minutes.
  • Muhammad Ali’s “Rumble in the Jungle” championship belt, valued at $428,000. The IPO sold out in 24 hours.
  • A signed Wilt Chamberlain high school jersey from 1954, valued at $316,000. The IPO sold out in 15 minutes.

While Platt’s entire collection is not yet on Collectable, he plans to add new pieces soon.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Joopiter, Michael Jordan card

Michael Jordan Rookie Card Sells for Record $2.5M in Eyebrow-Raising Auction

The auction, which received only one bid, sets a new record.
Jun 8, 2025; Brooklyn, Michigan, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates with his team, holding up three fingers, one for each of his victories at Michigan International Speedway, after winning the FireKeepers Casino 400.

Judge Urges Michael Jordan, Co-Plaintiffs to Settle With NASCAR

Jordan’s racing team filed a co-suit in October alleging antitrust practices.

Featured Today

Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Jonathan Mariner

Former MLB CFO Jumps to PE, Says Teams Are Undervalued

Mariner worked in Major League Baseball for 24 years.
March 20, 2025

Nike Struggles Continue, but Signs of Turnaround Appear

The embattled company beats tepid expectations in both revenue and earnings.
James Harden
April 24, 2025

Adidas Posts Big Profits in First Quarter Without Yeezy

Profits and sales are up after selling off remaining Yeezys last year.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Oracle Park
March 18, 2025

S.F. Giants Selling Stake to Private Equity to Pay for Facility Upgrades

The team said the cash would not be used to grow payroll.
Aug 11, 2024; Paris, France; Medals are carried out on Louis Vuitton trays after the women's volleyball gold medal match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at South Paris Arena
February 16, 2025

LVMH’s New Push: World’s Most Powerful Luxury Group Is Coming for Sports

LVMH is making long-term deals—and they’re not done.
February 14, 2025

DraftKings Turns First Full-Year Profit, Stock Up 47% in 2025

The company’s sports betting business continues to grow despite headwinds.
Billie Jean King
February 13, 2025

Billie Jean King: ‘Billionaires, Not Millionaires’ Are Fueling Women’s Sports Boom

Billie Jean King wants more women involved in team ownership, too.