Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant’s Rookie Jerseys Expected to Fetch $10M Each at Sotheby’s Auction.
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.
A Historic Auction for NBA Memorabilia
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.”
Michael Jordan’s Rookie Jersey: A Rare Find
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.
Kobe Bryant’s Lakers Debut Jersey: A Piece of Basketball History
Equally rare is Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers debut jersey, photo-matched to several key moments:
- NBA Media Day (1996)
- Preseason debut (October 1996)
- Regular-season debut (November 1996)
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.
Rookie Memorabilia at Record Prices
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:
- A Michael Jordan 1998 NBA Finals jersey sold for $10.1 million in 2022—the most valuable basketball jersey ever.
- A signed Kobe Bryant jersey from his 2007-08 MVP season sold for $5.8 million in 2023, making it the second most valuable basketball jersey ever auctioned.
With their rookie jerseys now going under the hammer, experts predict they could set new records in the sports memorabilia market.
Where to See the Jerseys Before the Auction
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.
Final Thoughts
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!