Jordan’s NBA jersey makes history

MICHAEL Jordan's jersey from the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for more than $10 million (about R18m) at an auction on Thursday.

The sale makes it the most expensive piece of game-worn sports memorabilia in history.

The previous record was established earlier this year at Sotheby’s, with soccer great Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” jersey fetching $9.3m.

“In the weeks since we announced the auction, there’s been palpable excitement from not only sports fans, but collectors alike,” said Brahm Wachter, the head of streetwear and modern collectables.

“(The) record-breaking result… solidifies Michael Jordan as the undisputed G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time), proving his name and incomparable legacy is just as relevant as it was nearly 25 years ago.”

The sale of Jordan’s jersey at the “Invictus”auction eclipsed the $3.7m spent in May on Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers jersey worn in his rookie year , the previous record for a basketball jersey at auction.

It also broke the record for any item of Jordan sports memorabilia after his autographed relic card from 1997 to 1998 sold for $2.7m.

The jersey from the “Last Dance” season attracted 20 bids. |