Michael Jordan's legend is almost unfathomable, made even greater by this year's ESPN documentary The Last Dance. In the wake of the popular series, MJ memorabilia has skyrocketed in price and desirability. Fans are spending copious amounts of money for – sometimes – the most banal Jordan collectibles.
Just this week, a photocopy of Michael Jordan's first ever contract with the Chicago Bulls sold for a mind-blowing $57,068 at GottaHaveRockAndRoll's auction. Dating back to September 12, 1984, the contract outlines MJ's salary and that he will be playing with the Bulls for a total of seven years.
As bizarre as it is that a mere copy of the contract could go for tens of thousands, this is just the latest hyped MJ article to hit the auction block. Check out some of the most valuable Michael Jordan items to sell at auction this year below.
Game-worn “Dream Team" jersey - $216,000
Jordan wore this particular jersey while playing for the 1992 United States men's national basketball team — widely regarded as the greatest sports team ever assembled — during the Barcelona Olympics. According to the auction report, he donned the top in games against Argentina, Lithuania, and Canada, and in the gold medal game versus Croatia. MJ then signed the white mesh number 9 jersey, "Best Wishes/Michael Jordan."
Game-worn NBA championship uniform - $288,000
This is the only MJ-worn black Chicago Bulls uniform from the 1996-1997 season offered for public sale. Jordan wore the road uniform on April 13, 1997 in a game against the Detroit Pistons, during a season when the Bulls secured their second consecutive NBA title and fifth championship in seven years.
Game-worn Chicago Bulls rookie jersey - estimated $500,000
Goldin Auctions is currently offering a rare Chicago Bulls rookie jersey worn and signed by Jordan. The red jersey, which MJ donned multiple times during the 1984-1985 season in which he won Rookie of the Year, is expected to fetch upwards of $500,000. The auction is ongoing, so you can keep an eye on the bidding here.
Game-worn Air Jordan 1s - $560,000
MJ wore this pair of Air Jordan 1s during his rookie season (1984-1985). Also signed, the sneakers are recognized as the most valuable ever sold at auction. Sotheby’s predicted the "Chicago" 1s would go for somewhere around $150,000, but as you can see, the $560,000 closing bid shattered that estimate.
Game-worn “Shattered Backboard” Nike Air Jordan 1s - $615,000
After the above Air Jordan 1 sold for over half a million dollars, the market for game-worn Jordans exploded, and this pair ended up selling for over $50,000 more. Jordan wore this pair during an exhibition game in Trieste, Italy in the summer of 1985, when he famously shattered a backboard after one of his signature high-flying dunks. The left shoe still has a shard of glass wedged in the bottom of the sole.
Game-worn “Original Air” sneakers - $931,875
Jordan laced up the Nike Air Ship during the 1984-1985 pre-season and in early games of his rookie year, prior to the release of the Air Jordan 1. The shoe, which was modified specifically for His Airness, featured the upper of the Air Ship and the sole of the Air Jordan 1. This game-worn pair sold for $931,875 in a package deal with two other game-worn sneakers at a Christie's auction.
