Michael Jordan’s Rookie Jersey Sells for Millions: A Deep Dive into the Auction World
In the world of sports memorabilia, few items hold as much allure as those associated with Michael Jordan. The latest buzz in this niche market is the sale of a game-worn jersey from Jordan’s 1984-85 rookie season with the Chicago Bulls. This isn’t just any jersey; it’s believed to be the first one worn by the Hall of Famer in the NBA. On Wednesday, it was announced that this iconic piece of sports history sold at auction for a staggering $4.215 million through Sotheby’s.
Now, let’s put this into perspective. This jersey is the fifth-most-expensive NBA jersey ever sold at auction. To give you a sense of the company it keeps, here are the top four:
- A jersey worn by Jordan during 17 games in the 1996-97 NBA season, which fetched $4.7 million.
- Wilt Chamberlain’s 1972 NBA Finals Game 5 championship-clinching Lakers jersey, sold for $4.9 million.
- Kobe Bryant’s 2007-08 MVP game-worn and signed Lakers jersey, which went for $5.85 million.
- Jordan’s “Last Dance” jersey, which set the record for an item of sports memorabilia at $10.091 million in September 2022.
The journey of this particular jersey is as fascinating as its price tag. Photo-matching company MeiGray, along with forensic analysis outfit Proven Data, matched the jersey to preseason games played in 1984 on October 5, 7, 13, and 18. According to MeiGray’s authentication letter, they believe this jersey was Jordan’s first to be worn “while playing in the NBA.” The Bulls’ preseason game against the Indiana Pacers on October 5, 1984, was played in front of 2,000 fans in Peoria, Illinois.
Interestingly, the jersey was also photo-matched by Sports Investors Authenticated (SIA), though they only matched it to the games on October 7 and 13. SIA’s authentication includes a letter from James Spence Authentication certifying the autograph on the jersey.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this jersey is its history of repurposing. The jersey shows darkened stains near the name and numbers on the back, indicating that it was previously used by another Bulls player. On the front, there’s a large Jordan signature, signed “My Very Best,” to the right of the number 23.
The last time this particular Jordan jersey was sold was in 2009, when it was auctioned off by Grey Flannel Auctions for $66,000. At that time, the description included a letter from the Chicago Bulls from May 1985. The consignor mentioned that the Bulls’ then-PR director said, “If that jersey has a number and name change, sounds like you have the very first jersey this organization issued Michael Jordan.”
It’s fascinating to see how the value of such memorabilia can skyrocket over time, reflecting not just the legacy of the player but also the growing interest in sports history. For collectors and fans alike, owning a piece of Michael Jordan’s rookie season is akin to holding a piece of basketball history.
As the market for sports memorabilia continues to grow, one can only wonder what the next big sale will be. Will it be another piece from Jordan’s illustrious career, or perhaps something from another legendary athlete? Only time will tell, but for now, this jersey stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and the ever-increasing value of sports memorabilia.
Originally Written by: Dan Hajducky
