Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest of all time (GOAT), faced a memorable challenge from rookie Allen Iverson in 1997, and now, the jersey Jordan wore during that iconic moment is set for auction.
Sotheby’s will host the “Colossal | The Ultimate Jordan Collection” sale later this month, featuring five prized Jordan memorabilia items, including a jersey from his 1996-97 championship season with the Chicago Bulls. This rare item is expected to draw bids between $4 million and $6 million.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, highlighted the scarcity of game-worn jerseys from Jordan’s pre-“Last Dance” era, noting, “Jordan often wore the same jersey for extended periods, making them exceptionally rare and coveted. This 1996-1997 season jersey is truly a unicorn.”
The jersey, one of only two red jerseys Jordan wore that season, has been verified by MeiGray and photo-matched to 17 games over five months.
During this period, Jordan averaged 31.1 points per game, totaling 528 points. Notably, he was wearing it on March 12, 1997, when Allen Iverson famously crossed him over—a moment that has become a legend in basketball history.
Since its sale by the Bulls, the jersey has remained in a private collection, a rarity among Jordan collectibles, which often change hands between players, family, or fans.
The auction, running from October 23 to November 4, offers a unique opportunity to trace the jersey’s ownership almost directly from Jordan to its next buyer.
In addition to the jersey, Sotheby’s auction will feature other highly sought-after Jordan items, including a signed American flag that Jordan used during the 1992 Olympics gold-medal ceremony.
He famously draped the flag over his shoulders to cover a Reebok logo, a nod to his loyalty to Nike.
Another notable piece is Jordan’s home jersey from the 1988-89 season, with an estimated value exceeding $2 million.
Collectors are eagerly anticipating the chance to acquire these iconic pieces of basketball history.
