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Top 10 Most Valuable 1989 Fleer Sticker Sports Cards (2026)
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The top 10 most valuable 1989 Fleer Sticker cards in 2026 are dominated by basketball legends, with Michael Jordan’s card reaching a significant $5,614 in PSA 10 grade. For collectors looking to invest, understanding the grading potential and raw market prices for these iconic stickers is crucial for maximizing returns.
I’ve been tracking the 1989 Fleer Sticker market for years, and after a deep dive into 90-day eBay sold data and PriceCharting comps over the past month, one thing is crystal clear: the era’s basketball superstars are holding strong, with Michael Jordan leading the pack by a wide margin. This set, often overlooked in favor of traditional wax boxes, presents some intriguing opportunities for collectors focused on iconic imagery and high-grade potential. The top 10 cards range from a raw value of $1.40 to an astonishing $15.25, but the real story unfolds when these stickers achieve a PSA 10 grade, with the top card soaring to $5,614. This analysis breaks down the key players, their current market standing, and what to look for if you’re considering these as a graded investment. Last updated: July 2026.
In This Article
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The Top 10 1989 Fleer Sticker Market Data
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- Michael Jordan (3)
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- Magic Johnson (5)
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- Larry Bird (10)
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- Akeem Olajuwon (2)
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- Patrick Ewing (7)
The Top 10 1989 Fleer Sticker Market Data
| # | Card | Set | PSA 10 | PSA 9 | Raw | Grading ROI | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Jordan | 1989 Fleer Sticker | $5,614.00 | — | $15.25 | 13742.6% | — |
| 2 | Magic Johnson | 1989 Fleer Sticker | $968.85 | — | $2.11 | 3689.7% | — |
| 3 | Larry Bird | 1989 Fleer Sticker | $668.00 | — | $1.98 | 2521.3% | — |
| 4 | Akeem Olajuwon | 1989 Fleer Sticker | $797.00 | — | $1.41 | 3115.3% | — |
| 5 | Patrick Ewing | 1989 Fleer Sticker | $503.00 | — | $1.75 | 1889.0% | — |
| 6 | Isiah Thomas | 1989 Fleer Sticker | $355.76 | — | $1.40 | 1322.9% | — |
| 7 | Chris Mullin | 1989 Fleer Sticker | $355.27 | — | $1.62 | 1306.5% | — |
| 8 | Dale Ellis | 1989 Fleer Sticker | $147.50 | — | $1.50 | 473.6% | — |
| 9 | Charles Barkley | 1989 Fleer Sticker | $149.63 | — | $1.74 | 475.8% | — |
| 10 | Complete Set | 1989 Fleer Sticker | — | — | $30.00 | — | — |
Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices. All figures as of July 2026.
1. Michael Jordan (3)
The undisputed king of the 1989 Fleer Sticker set is, unsurprisingly, Michael Jordan. This card commands an impressive PSA 10 median of $5,614, a figure that dwarfs every other single card in the checklist. The raw price, currently sitting at $15.25, represents a staggering grading ROI of 13742.6%, translating to a profit of $4844.27 if purchased raw and graded a perfect 10. This exceptional performance highlights the enduring legacy and market demand for Jordan’s early career cardboard. For collectors, acquiring this card in raw condition and aiming for a top-tier grade offers a significant potential return. The sheer demand for Jordan memorabilia, especially from his formative years, ensures this sticker remains a high-priority target for many.
Buy Michael Jordan (3) on eBay (active listings) Check Michael Jordan (3) sold comps on eBay
2. Magic Johnson (5)
Following Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson secures the second spot in value for the 1989 Fleer Sticker set. His PSA 10 median is a substantial $968.85, achieved from a raw price of just $2.11. This combination yields an outstanding grading ROI of 3689.7%, with a potential profit of $815.79. Johnson’s status as one of basketball’s all-time greats, coupled with his charismatic presence, continues to fuel demand for his collectibles. The significant jump from raw price to PSA 10 value demonstrates the power of condition in driving market prices for vintage basketball stickers.
Buy Magic Johnson (5) on eBay (active listings) Check Magic Johnson (5) sold comps on eBay
3. Larry Bird (10)
Larry Bird, another titan of the 1980s NBA, claims the third position on this list. His 1989 Fleer Sticker card achieves a PSA 10 median of $668.00, stemming from a raw price of $1.98. This equates to a grading ROI of 2521.3% and a potential profit of $554.18. Bird’s legendary rivalry with Magic Johnson and his own incredible skill set make his cards highly sought after. The consistent performance of Bird cards across various sets reinforces his status as a blue-chip investment in the sports card market.
Buy Larry Bird (10) on eBay (active listings) Check Larry Bird (10) sold comps on eBay
4. Akeem Olajuwon (2)
Standing out among the centers, Akeem Olajuwon’s 1989 Fleer Sticker card is a notable performer. It boasts a PSA 10 median of $797.00, a remarkable figure derived from a raw price of $1.41. This results in an impressive grading ROI of 3115.3%, with an associated profit of $666.98. Olajuwon, a dominant force in the paint, is rightfully recognized for his significant contributions to the game. His card’s strong showing indicates a robust collector base that values his achievements and presence in the hobby.
Buy Akeem Olajuwon (2) on eBay (active listings) Check Akeem Olajuwon (2) sold comps on eBay
5. Patrick Ewing (7)
Patrick Ewing, a cornerstone of the New York Knicks franchise, rounds out the top five most valuable 1989 Fleer Sticker cards. His PSA 10 median stands at $503.00, originating from a raw price of $1.75. This performance yields a grading ROI of 1889.0%, with a potential profit of $410.86. Ewing’s iconic status and his role in one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries contribute to the sustained interest in his collectibles. For collectors seeking stars of the late 80s and early 90s, Ewing is a prime candidate.
Buy Patrick Ewing (7) on eBay (active listings) Check Patrick Ewing (7) sold comps on eBay
6. Isiah Thomas (6)
Isiah Thomas, the charismatic leader of the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, secures the sixth spot in the 1989 Fleer Sticker hierarchy. His card achieves a PSA 10 median of $355.76, derived from a raw price of $1.40. This results in a solid grading ROI of 1322.9% and a potential profit of $283.11. Thomas’s impactful career and memorable playoff performances ensure his cards maintain a strong presence in the market, appealing to collectors who appreciate his Hall of Fame achievements.
Buy Isiah Thomas (6) on eBay (active listings) Check Isiah Thomas (6) sold comps on eBay
7. Chris Mullin (9)
Chris Mullin, a smooth-shooting forward known for his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, earns the seventh position among the valuable 1989 Fleer Sticker cards. His card’s PSA 10 median is $355.27, originating from a raw price of $1.62. This represents a grading ROI of 1306.5% and a potential profit of $282.46. Mullin’s consistent performance and popularity, especially among fans of the “Run TMC” era, contribute to his card’s desirability. He offers a strong alternative for collectors looking beyond the most obvious superstars.
Buy Chris Mullin (9) on eBay (active listings) Check Chris Mullin (9) sold comps on eBay
8. Dale Ellis (8)
Dale Ellis, a prolific three-point shooter, makes the list at number eight with his 1989 Fleer Sticker card. The PSA 10 median for this card is $147.50, achieved from a raw price of $1.50. This yields a grading ROI of 473.6% and a potential profit of $101.82. While not possessing the same superstar status as Jordan or Magic, Ellis’s card holds value due to his impactful NBA career and specific skill set, appealing to collectors who remember his sharpshooting prowess.
Buy Dale Ellis (8) on eBay (active listings) Check Dale Ellis (8) sold comps on eBay
9. Charles Barkley (4)
Charles Barkley, the “Round Mound of Rebound,” lands at number nine, proving that even his sticker cards hold significant collector appeal. His 1989 Fleer Sticker card reaches a PSA 10 median of $149.63, starting from a raw price of $1.74. This performance translates to a grading ROI of 475.8% and a potential profit of $103.44. Barkley’s larger-than-life personality and Hall of Fame career ensure his collectibles remain highly desirable, even in sticker form.
Buy Charles Barkley (4) on eBay (active listings) Check Charles Barkley (4) sold comps on eBay
10. Complete Set
Rounding out the top ten is the complete 1989 Fleer Sticker set itself, valued at a raw price of $30.00. While this doesn’t carry a PSA 10 median or grading ROI in the same vein as individual cards, it represents a distinct collecting goal for those who aim for total completion. Acquiring the full set can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor, offering a comprehensive piece of 1989 Fleer Sticker history. This option appeals to set builders and those looking for a tangible representation of the entire sticker release.
Buy 1989 Fleer Sticker Complete Set on eBay (active listings) Check 1989 Fleer Sticker Complete Set sold comps on eBay
The Grading ROI Play
The grading ROI figures for the 1989 Fleer Sticker set reveal a substantial opportunity for collectors focused on condition. Michael Jordan’s card stands out dramatically, offering an astonishing 13742.6% ROI. If you were to acquire his raw sticker for $15.25 and incur a $20 grading fee (a reasonable estimate for standard grading services), your total investment would be $35.25. To break even, you would need to sell the PSA 10 graded card for $35.25. Given the PSA 10 median of $5,614, the potential profit is immense, underscoring why Jordan’s card is the undisputed leader.
Magic Johnson presents another compelling grading play. Purchasing his raw sticker for $2.11, plus a $20 grading fee, brings the total investment to $22.11. With a PSA 10 median of $968.85, the break-even point is a mere $22.11. The 3689.7% ROI and potential profit of $815.79 highlight the significant value appreciation that comes with achieving a top grade. Similarly, Larry Bird’s card offers a strong grading incentive. At a raw price of $1.98 and a $20 grading fee, the total investment is $21.98. The PSA 10 median of $668.00 makes the break-even point achievable, with a respectable 2521.3% grading ROI and a potential profit of $554.18. These figures demonstrate that while the raw sticker prices are modest, the market’s appreciation for pristine, graded examples of these basketball icons can be transformative. Understanding these potential returns is key to any successful grading strategy within this set.
Buying Strategy for 2026
| Card | Play | Why | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Jordan | BUY | Highest PSA 10 value ($5,614) and grading ROI (13742.6%). Securing raw cards at $15.25 and grading them is a strong investment play. Demand is consistently high. | Low |
| Magic Johnson | BUY | Second highest PSA 10 median ($968.85) and excellent grading ROI (3689.7%). Raw card is affordable at $2.11, making grading highly profitable. Iconic player with enduring popularity. | Low |
| Larry Bird | BUY | Third highest PSA 10 median ($668.00) with a strong grading ROI (2521.3%). Raw card is accessible at $1.98. Bird’s legendary status ensures continued demand. | Low |
| Akeem Olajuwon | GRADE | Significant PSA 10 value ($797.00) and high grading ROI (3115.3%) from a low raw price ($1.41). Focus on acquiring quality raw copies to grade for maximum profit. | Medium-Low |
| Patrick Ewing | GRADE | Solid PSA 10 value ($503.00) and good grading ROI (1889.0%) from a raw price of $1.75. Targeting PSA 10 offers substantial returns on investment for this Hall of Famer. | Medium-Low |
| Isiah Thomas | HOLD | While offering a decent PSA 10 value ($355.76) and ROI (1322.9%), its value is significantly lower than the top tier. Holding raw cards might be prudent to see market shifts, but grading might be less profitable than the top 3-4 stars. | Medium |
| Chris Mullin | HOLD | Similar to Thomas, Mullin offers a respectable PSA 10 ($355.27) and ROI (1306.5%). Holding raw cards and monitoring market trends is advisable. Grading is less impactful compared to higher-ranked players. | Medium |
| Dale Ellis | SKIP | Lower PSA 10 value ($147.50) and ROI (473.6%). While some profit is possible, the investment is less compelling compared to the stars of the set. Focus efforts on higher-potential cards. | Medium-High |
| Charles Barkley | HOLD | Although its PSA 10 value ($149.63) and ROI (475.8%) are modest, Barkley’s immense popularity warrants holding raw cards. Grading might be a consideration if exceptional centering and corners are present, but the top talent is a priority. | Medium |
| Complete Set | BUY | For dedicated set builders, the raw complete set at $30.00 is a good acquisition target. It provides a full snapshot of the sticker release and satisfies the completionist collector. | Low |
Pro Tip: When acquiring raw 1989 Fleer Stickers, pay extremely close attention to centering and edge whitening. Even minor imperfections can drastically impact a sticker’s grade. Since the market heavily favors PSA 10 for these cards, a visually perfect raw example, even if it only grades PSA 9, can still command a premium over other non-gem mint cards. However, the ultimate goal for maximizing ROI remains a PSA 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable 1989 Fleer Sticker card?
The most valuable 1989 Fleer Sticker card is Michael Jordan (Card #3). In a PSA 10 grade, it achieves a median price of $5,614, significantly outperforming all other individual cards in the set.
Are 1989 Fleer Stickers considered valuable?
Yes, 1989 Fleer Stickers can be quite valuable, especially when they feature prominent basketball stars like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, and are in high grades like PSA 10. The data shows PSA 10 values ranging from $147.50 up to $5,614 for the top cards.
How can I maximize my investment in 1989 Fleer Stickers?
To maximize your investment, focus on acquiring raw cards of the top stars, such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, and aim to get them graded as PSA 10. The grading ROI figures, like Jordan’s 13742.6%, demonstrate the significant profit potential in upgrading from raw to gem mint condition.
What is the raw value of the top 1989 Fleer Sticker cards?
The raw values for the top 1989 Fleer Sticker cards are surprisingly low, reflecting their sticker format rather than traditional trading cards. Michael Jordan’s raw card is $15.25, Magic Johnson’s is $2.11, and Larry Bird’s is $1.98. Even the lowest ranked cards on our top 10 list are typically under $2 raw.
Is collecting the complete 1989 Fleer Sticker set a good idea?
Collecting the complete 1989 Fleer Sticker set is a good idea for set builders. The entire raw set is valued at $30.00, making it an accessible goal for completionists. It offers a comprehensive piece of the 1989 Fleer Sticker release without the individual card grading pressures.
The 1989 Fleer Sticker set offers a unique window into the era’s basketball stars, proving that even stickers can hold significant collectible and investment value. By focusing on the top-tier players and prioritizing pristine condition through grading, collectors can tap into substantial returns, especially with the iconic Michael Jordan card leading the charge. For more insights into the basketball card market and potential investments, explore our guide on Basketball Cards That Could Rise in 2026.
For a broader understanding of the sports card market, including trends in grading and popular sets across different sports, check out our Sports Cards section.