A game-worn Michael Jordan jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $14 million, setting a new record for basketball memorabilia. The item was purchased by Miami real estate investor Ron Firman.
A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has been privately sold for $14 million, establishing a new benchmark for basketball memorabilia. Hunt Auctions announced the sale on Monday, identifying the buyer as Miami real estate investor Ron Firman. The price is believed to be the highest ever paid for a piece of basketball memorabilia.
The jersey is the one Jordan wore in Game 2 of the 1998 Finals against the Utah Jazz, according to Associated Press reporter Tim Reynolds. During that game, Jordan scored 37 points as the Chicago Bulls evened the series before eventually securing their sixth championship in eight seasons. The sale highlights the enduring market value of artifacts from the "Last Dance" era.
In the broader context of sports memorabilia, the $14 million figure ranks as the second-highest known price for any game-worn jersey. It trails only the $24.12 million paid in 2024 for Babe Ruth’s “called shot” jersey from the 1932 World Series. This transaction underscores the continued premium placed on iconic items from the sport's most celebrated moments.
Jordan memorabilia from the 1998 Finals continues to command staggering prices at auction. A Game 1 jersey from the same series sold for approximately $10.1 million in 2022, while a Game 3 jersey fetched roughly $12.3 million last month. Additionally, his Game 2 sneakers from the series sold for $2.2 million in 2023. These consistent high-value transactions indicate a robust and competitive market for authentic Jordan artifacts.