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Michael Jordan game-worn collection tops $8 million at Sotheby’s
A collection of game-worn memorabilia from Michael Jordan’s historic college basketball and NBA careers and the 1992 Olympics sold for $8.5 million at Sotheby’s on Tuesday.
The Colossal Ultimate Jordan Collection featured five museum-quality pieces spanning Jordan’s college career at the University of North Carolina to his celebrated “Last Dance” season with the Chicago Bulls.
The white-glove auction, which opened Oct. 23, was highlighted by a game-worn jersey from Jordan’s legendary 1996-97 championship season with the Chicago Bulls, which sold for $4.7 million.
Worn in at least 17 games, the jersey is the only red jersey authenticated by MeiGray Authenticated from Jordan’s first five championship seasons that has emerged publicly. It came directly from the Bulls and had remained in a private collection since its sale from the team.
“Worn during 17 incredible games over a five-month stretch in the iconic 1996-97 championship season, this jersey symbolizes not just Michael Jordan at the height of his celebrity and prowess, but also a pivotal moment in basketball history,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles. “Today’s results highlight the enduring strength of the game-worn market, especially those pieces associated with Michael Jordan’s greatness. We are proud to be at the forefront of this dynamic space as we continue to curate sales that resonate with the passions of the collectibles community.”
One of the most historically significant Jordan artifacts was the American flag that he famously draped over his shoulders during the 1992 Dream Team Olympic Gold Medal Ceremony. The flag, which the longtime Nike spokesman and partner used to cover the Reebok logo on his jacket, attracted 45 bids and sold for $1.8 million. The flag is signed by various members of the Olympic “Dream Team.”
Also topping seven figures was Jordan’s 1988-89 home game-worn jersey, which sold for $1.1 million. The home white jersey is matched to eight games during the 1988-89 season, when Jordan scored 50 or more points in five games during the regular season, the second-highest single-season total of his career. On Jan 21, 1989, Jordan scored a season-high 53 points with a season-high 14 rebounds, and eight assists, accounting for about half of the Bulls scoring output by himself. The jersey was also photo-matched to Game 6 of the 1989 Eastern Conference Finals.
A practice jersey and pair of signed sneakers from Jordan’s career at North Carolina sold for $132,000, while a home Bulls jersey from the 1998 NBA playoffs sold for $840,000.
