That’s Baller: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s NBA Debut Jerseys Expected to Rake in Millions at Auction

A pair of iconic jerseys worn by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are heading to auction.

Sotheby’s is offering two highly sought-after pieces of sports history: Jordan’s and Bryant’s first-ever game-worn jerseys from their NBA debut rookie games. The jerseys are expected to fetch a combined total of at least $20 million, with each jersey predicted to sell for around $10 million.

Brahm Wachter, head of modern collectibles at Sotheby’s, told CNN, “Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s first NBA career jerseys are not just memorabilia; they are enduring symbols of the ambition, skill, and willpower that defined their legendary careers. They are as rare as they come.”

Jordan’s jersey is signed by the icon himself and holds the status of a “unicorn” in sports memorabilia. Worn during his preseason debut for the Chicago Bulls in October 1984, this jersey still has several stains on it.

Wachter added, “Debut games are unique milestones that every athlete experiences only once in their journey, making these jerseys especially coveted.”

Bryant’s debut No. 8 Los Angeles Lakers jersey, worn during his preseason debut in October 1996 and again during his regular-season debut, is similarly rare. Like Jordan’s it also has several marks still on it. Sotheby’s describes it as a “tangible connection to the early stages of Bryant’s career, which would culminate in five NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and an iconic legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history.”

The jerseys will be displayed at Sotheby’s New York beginning on March 21st.

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