Michael Jordan is commonly recognized as arguably the best basketball player of all time and one of the greatest professional athletes ever. That’s why any memorabilia with his name on it will make quite a profit.
Such was the case when it was revealed what particular Jordan memorabilia was sold for over $4 million.
Michael Jordan’s First Ever NBA Jersey Was Sold at an Auction for $4.2 Million
The Daily Mail’s Eric Blum reported that the first NBA jersey he ever wore in the NBA was auctioned for $4.215 million. Jordan started his NBA career in 1984, making it over four decades old. Given his legacy and how old the jersey is, it makes sense that it would sell for that much.
More details were revealed as to how the jersey in question was deciphered to be Jordan’s first NBA jersey.
“Sportswear retailer MeiGray stated that it believes this is the first jersey Jordan ever wore while playing in the NBA. MeiGray examined video footage from Jordan’s first NBA game while working with forensic analysis firm Proven Data. That first preseason game took place Oct. 5, 1984, in Peoria, Illinois.
“MeiGray photo-matched the jersey to Oct. 13, 1984, which was Jordan’s fourth NBA game. Sports Investors Authenticated photo-matched it to Oct. 7, 1984, which would have been his second game.
“Sotheby’s said it could be authenticated this extensively because it appeared previous players had worn the jersey before Jordan got it,” Blum wrote.
Other details were revealed that show how different things were back in the NBA back when Jordan first started his career.
“There are dark stains under the name ‘Jordan’ and under the No 23 where it appears multiple other players’ names and numbers had previously appeared.
“Jordan switched jerseys for his regular-season debut and for the rest of the 1984-85 season,” they wrote.
When Jordan first came to the league, the NBA struggled financially with low ratings, so it’s no surprise that the Bulls recycled jerseys with not much money around. By the time Jordan left the league, it was in a much better place, which was undoubtedly played a role in why the NBA has stayed relevant all these years later.
Jordan was a new player archetype. While the NBA’s history beforehand featured mostly big men as its best players ever, Jordan’s electrifying athleticism and scoring abilities as a shooting guard made him a rare breed that attracted a new wave of fans.
There’s a case to be made that Jordan’s entrance into the NBA was what led to fans rooting for players like him instead of teams. Because of his impact and legacy, it’s no surprise that collectors would pay through the teeth to get not only one of his game-worn jerseys, but the very first one he ever wore.