Michael Jordan’s jersey, worn by the NBA legend during the 1996-97 season with the Chicago Bulls, was sold for US$4.68 million or IDR 73 billion) at auction at Sotheby’s.
This iconic jersey was worn by Jordan in at least 17 games that season, including when rookie Allen Iverson performed his famous crossover on the legend.
The jersey is now one of the most expensive pieces of memorabilia in NBA history.
With this sales value, Jordan’s jersey ranks fourth as the most expensive NBA jersey, behind Jordan’s Last Dance jersey
which sold for US$10.1 million.
In next position was Kobe Bryant’s autographed jersey from the 2007-08 MVP season which sold for US$5.8 million, followed by Wilt Chamberlain’s jersey from the 1972 NBA Finals which sold for US$4.9 million.
“This jersey has been in a private collection since it was first sold by the Bulls,” said Sotheby’s as quoted by ESPN.
Uniquely, this red 1996-97 Jordan jersey is the only jersey from Jordan’s first five seasons that has MeiGray authentication.
This auction is part of the Colossal collection, The Ultimate Jordan Collection, which presents five collectible items
Jordan.
The auction also includes an autographed jersey from the first game of the early round of the Eastern Conference playoffs of the 1998 Last Dance season, which
sold for US$840,000, a University of North Carolina practice set that included a signed jersey and shoes valued at US$132,000, as well as a set of jerseys and pants from the 1988-89 season, including the playoffs, which reached a value of US$1.08 million.
Of particular interest is a signed American flag from the 1992 Olympic Dream Team, which was used in the gold medal presentation ceremony. This flag sold for US$1.8 million.
The story behind the flag is a magnet for collectors, remembering the moment Jordan covered the Reebok logo with the flag as a form of loyalty to the Nike brand.
Overall, The Ultimate Jordan Collection auction generated revenues of US$8.5 million. (Ant/Z-1)
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**Interview with Sports Memorabilia Expert, Sarah Thompson**
**Editor:** Today, we’re joined by Sarah Thompson, a renowned expert in sports memorabilia, to discuss the recent sale of Michael Jordan’s 1996-97 season jersey. Sarah, thank you for being here.
**Sarah:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Michael Jordan’s jersey sold for an astonishing $4.68 million at auction. What makes this jersey so special?
**Sarah:** Absolutely, this jersey is iconic not just because it belonged to Michael Jordan, but also because it represents a pivotal moment in NBA history. Worn during the 1996-97 season with the Chicago Bulls, it was part of a legendary campaign when Jordan solidified his status as one of the greatest players ever. It was worn in at least 17 games, including memorable matchups against rising stars like Allen Iverson.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! The sale places this jersey as the fourth most expensive in NBA history. How does it compare to other notable sales?
**Sarah:** It certainly is remarkable. Following Jordan’s “Last Dance” jersey, which fetched $10.1 million, the jersey showcases the intense market for sports memorabilia. It also highlights the value placed on pieces associated with incredible legacies, like Kobe Bryant’s autographed jersey selling for $5.8 million and Wilt Chamberlain’s at $4.9 million. Collectors and fans alike are willing to invest significantly in these historical artifacts.
**Editor:** What does this sale tell us about the current market for sports memorabilia?
**Sarah:** The market is booming, driven by nostalgia and the increasing visibility of sports legends. As current generations grow older, they’re seeking to own a piece of history that they admire. Furthermore, auctions have become competitive and high-stakes, attracting not only sports fans but also investors who see value in these items as assets.
**Editor:** what advice would you offer to someone looking to begin collecting sports memorabilia?
**Sarah:** Start by educating yourself about the history of the sports and players that interest you. Focus on authenticity—look for items with verifiable provenance. And remember, collect what you love; that passion will guide you in building a meaningful collection over time.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights on this remarkable sale and the world of sports memorabilia!
**Sarah:** My pleasure! Thank you for having me.
