Michael Jordan’s Game-Worn Jersey from 1996-97 Season Sells for $4.68 Million at Sotheby’s Auction
A game-worn jersey from Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 1996-97 season sold for an impressive $4.68 million at Sotheby’s.
The jersey, notable for being worn in at least 17 games—including the famed matchup where rookie Allen Iverson crossed over Jordan—is now one of the most valuable NBA jerseys ever sold.
The sale places the jersey as the fourth most expensive NBA jersey on record, following Jordan’s 1998 “Last Dance” jersey, which sold for $10.1 million, Kobe Bryant’s signed 2007-08 MVP season jersey, which fetched just over $5.8 million, and Wilt Chamberlain’s 1972 NBA Finals jersey, which went for $4.9 million.
All four sales were conducted by Sotheby’s, a house that continues to set records in the sports memorabilia market. This particular 1996-97 red Bulls jersey is also the only MeiGray Authenticated red jersey from Jordan’s first five championship seasons, adding to its historical value and exclusivity.
According to Sotheby’s, “The jersey has remained in private hands since its sale from the team,” underscoring its rarity in public auctions.
The jersey was among five lots included in Sotheby’s “Colossal | The Ultimate Jordan Collection” auction, which collectively earned $8.5 million. Highlights from the auction included a game-worn and signed jersey from Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs during the 1998 “Last Dance” season, which sold for $840,000; a University of North Carolina practice jersey paired with signed sneakers that fetched $132,000; a game-used jersey and shorts set from the 1988-89 season, which brought in $1.08 million; and an iconic 1992 Summer Olympics “Dream Team” American flag, signed and worn during the gold medal ceremony, which sold for $1.8 million.
The “Dream Team” American flag, worn by Jordan as he famously draped it over the Reebok logo out of loyalty to Nike, spurred a bidding frenzy with 45 bids in total. This item, steeped in both basketball lore and symbolism, was among the highest-valued pieces in the collection.
With the sale of these remarkable items, Michael Jordan’s legacy continues to captivate collectors and basketball enthusiasts, setting new standards in the sports memorabilia market.
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