Jordan wore the Chicago Bulls jersey in Game 1 of the NBA Finals in 1998, and it will be one of only two of his jerseys worn in a Finals game to appear at auction, according to Sotheby’s.
The auction house presents it as “one of the most important objects of Michael Jordan’s career”.
“The 1997-98 season is perhaps one of the most popular among Jordan fans, as Michael reached the peak of his abilities while simultaneously pursuing what he thought was his last chance to win an NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls,” Brahm Wachter said. , head of streetwear and modern collectibles at Sotheby’s, in a press release on Wednesday.
“The season itself is his ‘magnum opus’ as an athlete, and a testament to him as a champion and competitor. Jordan finals jerseys are remarkably rare, and the 1997-1998 finals are arguably the most coveted of all,” he said. added.
An estimate of $3-5 million is the highest ever for a Jordanian jersey or any other Jordanian memorabilia, the auction house said.
The 1997-1998 season is known as “The Last Dance” and was the subject of a 2020 ESPN/Netflix documentary series of the same name.
Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan (23) with Scottie Pippen (33) on the court in Game 1 against Utah Jazz at the Delta Center, Salt Lake City in 1998 Credit: John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
On June 3, 1998, Jordan donned the jersey for a game against the Utah Jazz, scoring 33 points in 45 minutes in a loss to the Bulls.
The Bulls won the championship despite major internal divisions that had plagued their season, with Jordan earning his sixth NBA winner’s ring.
Auctions will be open from September 6 to 14.
In October 2021, a pair of Nike Air Ships sneakers worn by Jordan sold for a record $1.47 million at auction.
The basketball star wore the red and white sneakers in his fifth NBA game during his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls on November 1, 1984.
The shoes set a world record for the highest price achieved for a pair of sneakers at auction, according to Sotheby’s. They also became the first pair of sneakers to sell for over $1 million at auction.
The shirt auction follows Sotheby’s sale of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona’s shirt in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England.
The blue jersey was sold to an anonymous buyer for £7,142,500 ($9,284,536), Sotheby’s said, breaking the record for a sports memorabilia item.
