NEW YORK — The game-worn NBA debut jerseys of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are heading to auction, and they could make history. According to Sotheby’s, each jersey is expected to sell for around $10 million, bringing the total auction value to a staggering $20 million.
These jerseys, worn in the first NBA games of their respective careers, represent the humble beginnings of two of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Sotheby’s describes the jerseys as more than just collectibles—they are symbols of ambition, skill, and determination. Brahm Wachter, head of modern collectibles at Sotheby’s, highlighted their significance:
“Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s first NBA career jerseys are not just memorabilia; they are enduring symbols of the ambition, skill, and willpower that defined their legendary careers. They are as rare as they come.”
Jordan’s game-worn, signed jersey from his 1984 preseason debut with the Chicago Bulls is one of the rarest pieces of basketball memorabilia ever to hit the market. MeiGrey, a leading sports memorabilia authentication company, examined 130 jerseys claimed to have been worn by Jordan but found only four to be authentic.
On Oct. 26, 1984, future NBA legend Michael Jordan appeared in his first NBA game with the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan’s jersey was verified through photo-matching, a meticulous process that compares markings, wear patterns, and unique characteristics to high-resolution images and video footage. Sotheby’s confirmed that this jersey was worn during his preseason debut on October 5, 1984, in Peoria, Illinois.
Interestingly, the number 23 jersey bears dark stains beneath Jordan’s name—likely remnants of previous players’ names and numbers. This detail highlights the contrast between Jordan’s early days and his later status as a global basketball icon.
Equally rare is Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers debut jersey, photo-matched to several key moments:
Sotheby’s described the jersey as a "tangible connection" to Bryant’s early days in the NBA—a career that would include five NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and a lasting legacy.
Bryant’s tragic passing in 2020 at age 41 has only increased demand for his memorabilia, making this auction even more significant.
The sale comes amid a boom in rookie-era memorabilia. Sotheby’s reports that the most expensive rookie collectible ever sold was a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card, which fetched $12.6 million in 2022.
Previous sales of Jordan and Bryant jerseys have also commanded massive prices:
With their rookie jerseys now going under the hammer, experts predict they could set new records in the sports memorabilia market.
Fans can get a closer look at these iconic jerseys before they go up for auction. Sotheby’s New York will exhibit them starting March 21, offering collectors and basketball enthusiasts a rare chance to witness history.
The sale of Michael Jordan’s and Kobe Bryant’s first NBA jerseys marks a significant moment in sports memorabilia history. As demand for rare collectibles skyrockets, these jerseys serve as timeless relics of two legendary careers.
Would you pay $10 million for a piece of basketball history? Let us know in the comments!
