A game-worn jersey donned by NBA icon Michael Jordan during Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals has become the most expensive piece of game-worn sports memorabilia ever sold, fetching an astonishing $10.1 million at auction (source: CNBC).

The red Chicago Bulls jersey, bearing Jordan’s legendary number 23, was worn on June 3, 1998, during a pivotal and highly anticipated Finals clash between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. The game, held in Salt Lake City, saw Jordan deliver a stellar performance, scoring 33 points despite the Bulls narrowly losing to the Jazz. This jersey captures a critical moment in one of the most iconic seasons in NBA history. The 1997–98 NBA season, often referred to as The Last Dance, has achieved near-mythical status among basketball fans. Chronicled in the critically acclaimed ESPN/Netflix documentary of the same name, the season marked the end of a dynasty, Jordan’s final run with the Bulls, the last championship of a legendary career, and the culmination of a team that redefined basketball in the 1990s. More than just a jersey, this artifact symbolizes the pressure, poise, and greatness of a player many consider the greatest of all time. It’s a tangible connection to a defining era in sports, an era that saw Jordan rise from superstar to global cultural icon.

Sotheby’s, the prestigious auction house responsible for the sale, reported unprecedented global interest in the item. Bidders from around the world competed fiercely, recognising both the historical and cultural significance of the jersey. The final price of $10.1 million smashed previous records for game-worn items, setting a new benchmark in the fast-growing world of sports collectibles (source: Sports Collectors Digest). Prior to this, the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia had hovered in the lower multimillion-dollar range, but Jordan’s 1998 Finals jersey has now redefined the ceiling. It not only reflects the athlete’s enduring influence but also the growing market for rare and meaningful sports artifacts.

Jordan’s impact on and off the court remains unparalleled. His six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and countless unforgettable moments have left an indelible mark on the game. This jersey sale is yet another testament to his legacy, a legacy that continues to inspire athletes, collectors, and fans across generations.

As the memorabilia market continues to evolve, sales like this demonstrate how sports history is being preserved and celebrated. For many, owning a piece of that history is more than a status symbol, it’s a connection to the passion, drama, and excellence that define the world’s greatest athletes.