A Michael Jordan jersey worn during the 1998 NBA Finals is expected to reach up to AU$7 million (US$5m) at an upcoming auction.
The Chicago Bulls kit was worn by the NBA star in Game 1 of the famous finals series and is expected to be the most expensive piece of Jordan memorabilia in history.
Auction house Sotheby’s which often auctions off streetwear and sporting memorabilia released a statement on the item.
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Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectibles said: “The 1997-1998 season is perhaps one of the most popular among Jordan fans, as Michael was reaching the height of his abilities while simultaneously pursuing what he understood would be his last chance at an NBA Championship with the Chicago Bulls.
“The season itself is his 'magnum opus' as an athlete and a testament to him as a champion and competitor. Finals jerseys from Jordan are remarkably scant, and the 1997-1998 Finals are arguably the most coveted of them all.”
The house billed the jersey as ‘one of the most significant items from Micahel Jordan’s career’ and estimated it would go from AU$4.2 million to AU$7 million (US$3-5m).
The iconic red away jersey donning the number 23 is an image etched into the mind of sports fans around the world, but funnily enough, Jordan actually wore it in a losing effort during that series.
According to Barrons, the kit was worn on June 3, 1998, in an 88-85 loss to the Utah Jazz in which Jordan scored 33 points.
The Bulls went on to turn the tie around and secure their sixth NBA championship with the NBA legend leading the pack.
The season was of course heralded as one of the best by any sports franchise ever and has since been referred to as ‘The Last Dance’ and was the subject of that Netflix documentary of the same name.
The jersey was featured throughout episode 10 of the documentary series and also featured on the June 15th edition of Sports Illustrated.
Sotheby’s have been in the business of selling MJ memorabilia for quite some years now and has seen prices go up and up since the release of The Last Dance.
In October last year a pair of worn Jordan Nike Air Ships sneakers sold for AU$2 million (US$1.4m).
Meanwhile, the highest-selling Jordan memorabilia piece was a 1997-98 trading card sold through Goldin Auctions.
The rare card sold for AU$3.65 million (US$2.6m) in October 2021.
Topics: Basketball, NBA, Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan
Jayden Collins