A Michael Jordan road jersey worn during the 1998 NBA Finals has been sold in a private transaction for $14 million, marking the highest price ever paid for basketball memorabilia. The auction house, Hunt Auctions, revealed the sale on Monday, with Miami real estate investor Ron Firman identified as the buyer. The red jersey was worn by Jordan in Game 2 of the series on June 5, 1998, where the Chicago Bulls secured a victory against the Utah Jazz.
The 1997-98 season culminated in Jordan and the Bulls clinching their sixth NBA title. This particular jersey’s significance was further highlighted by its appearance in the “Last Dance” documentary series released in 2020. Hunt Auctions’ president, David Hunt, emphasized the escalating value of Jordan’s memorabilia, likening it to iconic works of art and noting the historic nature of the sale.
The $14 million price tag makes this jersey the second most expensive game-worn jersey ever sold, following Babe Ruth’s jersey from the 1932 World Series, which fetched $24.12 million in 2024. Notably, this is the third time a Jordan jersey from the 1998 finals has surpassed the $10 million mark, with previous sales reaching $10.1 million and $12.3 million.
Firman expressed his excitement about the acquisition, acknowledging Jordan’s global admiration. The jersey’s journey from the Bulls to a private collector in 2003, and eventually to Firman, has maintained a clear chain of custody. Collectibles from Jordan’s final season with the Bulls continue to attract significant interest, such as a pair of Air Jordan sneakers sold for $2.2 million in 2023, setting a new record for the most valuable sneakers ever sold.
