Jordan wore the Chicago Bulls jersey in Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals, and according to Sotheby’s it will be one of only two of his jerseys worn in a Finals game ever to appear at auction.
The auction house describes it as “one of the most important pieces of Michael Jordan’s career”.
“The 1997-1998 season is perhaps one of the most beloved among Jordan fans as Michael reached the pinnacle of his ability while also chasing his last shot at an NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectibles, 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. Finals kits from Jordan are remarkably sparse and the 1997-1998 Finals are arguably the most coveted of them all,” he added.
An estimate of $3 million to $5 million is the highest ever for a Jordan jersey or other Jordan 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 court during Game 1 against Utah Jazz at Delta Center, Salt Lake City in 1998 Recognition: 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 impacted their season, and Jordan won his sixth NBA winning ring.
The call for applications is open from September 6th to 14th.
In October 2021, a pair of Nike Air Ships sneakers worn by Jordan sold at auction for a record-breaking $1.47 million.
The basketball star wore the red and white sneakers during his fifth NBA game of 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 were also the first pair of sneakers to sell for more than $1 million at auction.
The shirt auction follows Sotheby’s sale of Argentina football legend Diego Maradona’s shirt from 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.