Michael Jordan‘s jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals has sold for a record amount: $10.091 million.
The jersey, which was worn during MJ’s “Last Dance” season with the Bulls, surpassed late soccer legend Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” jersey from his 1986 World Cup to become the highest-selling piece of sports memorabilia ever, Dan Hajducky of ESPN reports. Maradona’s jersey previously sold for $9.28 million.
Jordan’s No. 23 jersey was sold with auction house Sotheby’s.
“Finals jerseys from Jordan are remarkably scant and the [1998] Finals are arguably the most coveted of them all,” Sotheby’s Brahm Wachter said. “In the weeks since we announced the auction, there’s been palpable excitement from not only sports fans, but collectors alike who are eager to own a rarified piece of history,” Wachter said in a statement following the sale. “[The] record-breaking result, with an astounding 20 bids, solidifies Michael Jordan as the undisputed GOAT, proving his name and incomparable legacy is just as relevant as it was nearly 25 years ago.”
Michael Jordan Breaks Kobe’s Record
Before the “Last Dance” jersey sold, the previous record for an NBA jersey was $3.69 million, belonging to the late Kobe Bryant. One of Bryant’s game-worn jerseys from his rookie season (1996-97) sold for that amount in May of 2021.
About Jordan’s Actual Last Dance
Jordan won his sixth and final championship with the Bulls during the 1997-98 season, though his “Last Dance” was actually not his final time playing in the NBA. He would later come back to play for the Washington Wizards.
During his first campaign in Washington, Jordan averaged 22.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while making the 2022 All-Star team. We compiled more fun facts, stats, and antidotes from Jordan’s time with Wizards as part of our 48 Facts series, which you can find here.
