How to Get an NBA Players Autograph

Perhaps there is no item more coveted to an avid and diehard basketball fan than an autographed item from their favorite basketball and NBA player. Whether a signed and autographed basketball, a jersey, or a picture of your favorite player, getting an item autographed by an NBA player can not only increase it value, but will also make the item a bit more special to you.

However, getting and securing an NBA players autograph can be a bit difficult. That is why, below, we are going to review the best ways, and how to, get an NBA players autograph.

However, we do want to encourage both fan and player safety here. Requesting an NBA players autograph, particularly at the game, should be done so politely and respectfully. If your request is denied, do not be insulted or begin to be rude. Remember, especially at the stadium, the players are technically at work and will need to concentrate on the game at hand.

Why do Fans Want NBA Players Autographs?

Before we get into the best ways to get an NBA players autograph, it’s important to review just why so many casual and avid fans want an NBA players autograph.

Perhaps above-all-else, both casual and avid basketball fans are looking for a memento or souvenir which they can take with them. This memento, whether in the form of an autographed jersey, a signed book written by the athlete, or even a piece of paper, signifies and helps fans to remember the moment they met with a famous athlete.

In addition, for many basketball fans, an autographed jersey, basketball, or even poster could be a wise investment. Many NBA players’ autographs yield significant sums of cash and can be sold to the highest bidder. This is particularly true, unfortunately, in the event of an all-star players passing, as was the case with the late Kobe Bryant.

And similarly, for many fans, the simple process of procuring an NBA players autograph is part of the fun, excitement, and thrill. From meeting your favorite player, to having them sign the item, many fans simply enjoy the process that goes into getting their favorite NBA players autograph.

And lastly, for many NBA fans, a signed, autographed memento or souvenir is simply a cherished object that was handled and signed by their favorite player. For those fans, the simple fact that the item was touched and signed by an NBA player is simply enough.

Are NBA Players’ Autographs Worth Money?

As mentioned above, for many casual and avid fans, securing an NBA players autograph may bring about unexpected fortunes. While most autographed items won’t have a particularly high resale value, some may.

For instance, after Kobe Bryant’s untimely passing, his memorabilia, signature shoe line, and autographed items were reselling on third-party online resellers such as eBay for well-above market value.

Similarly, securing an autograph from an NBA all-star, coupled with a rare or hard to find item, such as their rookie card, may significantly increase the items value. For instance, thee 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Michael Jordan rookie card, in nearly mint condition, is currently reselling for nearly half a million dollars. This same item would, undoubtedly, fetch even higher valuations if signed and autographed by the greatest player of all-time, Michael Jordan.

Similarly, if we look at a pair of 1985 Jordan 1’s, the shoes resale for over $25,000, but similar pairs, signed and autographed by Michael Jordan, resell for nearly $100,000.

The Definitive Ways to Get an NBA Players Autograph

Whether you’re interested in securing an NBA players autograph for the potential resale value or simply enjoy the process of securing the autograph and meeting with your favorite NBA player, there are a number of ways that you can get an NBA players autograph.

• At the Arena – perhaps one of the best and easiest ways to get an NBA players autograph is to do so at the arena itself. However, by simply being at the arena, you don’t necessarily guarantee yourself the opportunity to get an autograph. Rather, you will need to arrive to the arena early, typically 1.5 to 2 hours early. In addition, you should either be situated in court-side seats or near the tunnel where players come from, and return to, their respective locker rooms. Once situated, you should have your item and a marker ready for the player to sign. While players are within your vicinity, try calling out their names to get their attention and ask them to sign the particular item.

• At a Meet-and-Greet Event – many times, NBA players and teams will participate in charitable events around the community. By attending and partaking in these events, you may have an opportunity to meet an NBA player and ask them to sign your requested item.

• Buy One From eBay – although, admittedly, not as enjoyable and definitely more expensive, if you really want an NBA players signed autograph and are unable to secure one yourself, you may consider purchasing one from eBay. Although doing so will be more expensive, it is typically much easier and you will be able to receive your item within a few days. However, buyer always beware and be sure to verify the authenticity of the item before purchasing.

• Send Them a Letter – although a bit more challenging, another great option to secure an NBA players autograph is to simply send them or their respective NBA franchise team a letter or an email asking for one. Definitely not a guarantee, but many NBA players and franchise teams will look to accommodate lifelong fans and season ticket holders. Again, you’ll need to be convincing and send a detailed letter or email with the request, but with persistence and a bit of persuasive writing, you may just be able to convince them to autograph and send you an item.