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Historic Michael Jordan Jersey Sells for $4.215 Million at Sotheby’s Auction
A game-worn jersey from Michael Jordan’s rookie season, believed to be the first he wore in the NBA, was auctioned by Sotheby’s for $4.215 million, marking a significant moment in sports memorabilia history.
In a groundbreaking auction on March 26, 2025, Sotheby’s announced the sale of a game-worn jersey from Michael Jordan’s 1984-85 rookie season with the Chicago Bulls for an astonishing $4.215 million. This rare jersey, which is the only photo-matched piece from Jordan’s rookie year, showcases not only its historical significance but also Jordan’s legendary status in basketball. The sale reinforces the growing market for high-value sports memorabilia, especially items linked to iconic athletes and their initial career milestones.
Details of the Auction
- The jersey fetched $4.215 million at Sotheby’s auction.
- It ranks as the fifth-most-expensive NBA jersey ever sold.
- The only jerseys that sold for more include Jordan’s “Last Dance” jersey ($10.091 million), Kobe Bryant’s MVP jersey ($5.85 million), and Wilt Chamberlain’s 1972 Finals jersey ($4.9 million).
Authenticity and Historical Context
The jersey’s authenticity was established through rigorous photo-matching conducted by MeiGray and forensic analysis from Proven Data. They confirmed its use during NBA preseason games played on:
- October 5, 1984 – Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers
- October 7, 1984
- October 13, 1984
According to MeiGray, this jersey is believed to be the first worn by Jordan in an NBA setting. A letter from a Chicago Bulls PR director indicated that this reissued jersey could definitively be linked to Jordan.
The Physical Characteristics of the Jersey
This unique jersey shows signs of having been repurposed from a previous player’s gear, as evidenced by darkened stains where the name and number were altered. It also features a prominent autograph from Jordan, inscribed “My Very Best,” located just below the iconic number 23.
A Historical Perspective on the Jersey’s Value
Before this sale, the jersey had garnered considerable attention when it was auctioned by Grey Flannel Auctions for just $66,000. Accompanying documentation suggested that it might be the first-ever jersey issued to Michael Jordan during his rookie season.
Conclusion
The sale of Michael Jordan’s rookie season jersey for $4.215 million not only sets a precedent for the value of sports memorabilia but also highlights the enduring legacy of the basketball superstar. As collectors and basketball fans alike seek to own a piece of history, the auction reaffirms Jordan’s iconic status within the sport and the lucrative world of sports collectibles.
Keywords: Michael Jordan, rookie jersey, Chicago Bulls, sports memorabilia, auction results, Sotheby’s, game-worn jersey, highest auction sales
Hashtags: #MichaelJordan #SportsMemorabilia #Auction #ChicagoBulls #NBA
