A Michael Jordan jersey from his iconic ‘Last Dance’ season has been sold for a staggering $12.3 million (£9.3 million), setting a new record for Michael Jordan memorabilia. This particular jersey was worn during game three of the 1998 NBA Finals, Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan led the Bulls to a 4-2 series victory, securing his sixth and last NBA Championship, and he earned the Finals MVP title each time. The previous highest price fetched for Jordan memorabilia was $10.1 million (£7.6 million) for a jersey worn in game one of the same Finals.
The jersey was auctioned by entrepreneur Ryan Gough through Joopiter, the digital auction platform owned by Pharrell Williams, which had valued it between $10 million and $15 million (£7.5–£11.3 million). Additionally, Jordan’s 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello went for $2.7 million (£2 million), quadrupling the previous auction record for that vehicle model.
Joopiter described the game three jersey as an exceptional symbol of greatness in sports history. They highlighted its significance as “worn during the Last Dance,” representing the end of an era that elevated basketball to a global cultural phenomenon. The auction house called it one of the most significant pieces of game-worn sports memorabilia ever sold.
The highest price paid for any game-worn sports item remains Babe Ruth’s jersey from the 1932 World Series, which sold for $24.1 million (£18.2 million) in 2024.
Fan Take: This landmark sale shows the enduring legacy and cultural impact of Michael Jordan beyond the court, resonating deeply with basketball fans worldwide. Such historic auctions not only celebrate the sport’s legendary figures but also elevate the value and prestige of basketball memorabilia in the broader world of sports collectibles.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
