LeBron James’ $3.7 million jersey, worn during Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals, was stolen by a former Miami Heat security officer and sold for just $100,000 before resurfacing at a high-profile auction in 2023. The theft, part of a larger criminal scheme, was uncovered in Miami, Florida, when authorities investigated a suspicious pattern of missing memorabilia from the team’s equipment room.
Details of the Theft Involving a Former Security Officer
Marcos Thomas Perez, a retired member of the Miami Police Department and former security officer for the Miami Heat, has been charged federally for transporting and selling stolen goods across state lines. Over several years, Perez exploited his access to the team’s secure storage, stealing over 400 game-worn jerseys and other merchandise belonging to the Heat. His actions went unnoticed until discrepancies in the team’s inventory prompted an investigation.
Former Miami Heat security officer Marcos Thomas Perez faced federal charges of transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce on Tuesday.The 62-year-old retired member of the Miami Police Department is accused of stealing hundreds of items from the team,… pic.twitter.com/opH92CpHKB— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 6, 2025
During his time with the franchise, Perez repeatedly entered the equipment room to remove valuable jerseys and memorabilia, which he then sold online at prices far below their true value. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida reported that Perez moved over 100 stolen items and earned approximately $2 million over three years, sending the stolen property to buyers in multiple states.
During his employment, Perez accessed the equipment room multiple times to steal over 400 game-worn jerseys and other items, which he then sold to various online marketplaces. Over a three-year period, Perez sold over 100 stolen items for approximately $2 million and shipped them across state lines, often for prices well below their market value.
U.S. Attorney’s Office’s statement
The franchise only became aware of the theft after conducting a thorough inventory review, which led to law enforcement being alerted. Following this tip-off, authorities found an additional 300 stolen jerseys and memorabilia at Perez’s residence. The extent of his operation highlights significant security lapses within the organization, despite Perez’s background in law enforcement.
Significance of LeBron James’ Stolen Jersey
The LeBron James jersey stolen by Perez is exceptionally valuable due to its historical significance in basketball. Worn during the decisive Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals, this game-worn jersey was kept in a secure area intended for future display in a Miami Heat museum. Instead, it was lost in the heist and sold for a fraction of its worth before making headlines again when auctioned for nearly $3.7 million in 2023.
This jersey’s estimated worth sharply contrasts with the $100,000 price it was sold for during the theft, illustrating the disconnect between Perez’s financial motivation and the jersey’s collectible value. The item ranks as the third most expensive game-worn jersey ever sold, trailing only Michael Jordan’s iconic “Last Dance” jersey, which fetched $10.091 million, and Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ jersey, sold for $9.28 million.
Other legendary jerseys, such as Jordan’s autographed rookie debut jersey that sold for $4.215 million and Kobe Bryant’s rookie jersey fetching $7.004 million, have recently eclipsed James’ jersey in market value. These iconic pieces continue to escalate in price as collectors seek to acquire memorabilia connected to some of basketball’s greatest players.
The Broader Context of Sports Memorabilia Values
In professional sports, memorabilia associated with legendary figures like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James have become prized assets, often selling for millions. Jordan’s items remain the most highly sought after, commanding record-breaking prices for jerseys, shoes, trading cards, and even minor items like ticket stubs.
Kobe Bryant’s memorabilia has seen considerable appreciation since his passing in 2020, and while LeBron James is still active in the NBA, his collectible items are predicted to rise significantly in value upon his retirement. Yet, at present, some of his memorabilia, such as this stolen Game 7 jersey, are already priced beyond the reach of the average fan.
Implications of the Theft and What Lies Ahead
The theft of hundreds of priceless Miami Heat memorabilia, including the LeBron James jersey, reveals serious security vulnerabilities for professional sports teams tasked with preserving their historical artifacts. Fraudulent sales of stolen items not only diminish the monetary value of these collectibles but also undermine fans’ trust and the legacy efforts undertaken by the franchise.
The federal charges against Marcos Perez highlight law enforcement’s growing focus on high-value sports memorabilia thefts. The case serves as a cautionary reminder to organizations about the need for stringent protective measures and thorough audits of valuable assets.
Looking forward, the Miami Heat are likely to improve their security protocols to safeguard their historical items and may seek to collaborate with auction houses and collectors to verify the provenance of memorabilia more rigorously. For collectors and fans, the incident underscores the importance of provenance verification when acquiring high-priced sports artifacts.