Sotheby’s is set to auction rare memorabilia from two of the NBA’s greatest players, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, with their rookie jerseys expected to fetch a combined total of $20 million. The auction will include jerseys worn by both legends during their first NBA games, a reflection of the growing demand for rookie memorabilia in recent years. The jerseys will be offered in separate lots starting on March 21.
The Michael Jordan jersey, worn on October 5, 1984, in Peoria, Illinois, during his debut game for the Chicago Bulls, is expected to sell for around $10 million. This rare piece is considered a “unicorn” in the memorabilia market, as jerseys from Jordan’s rookie season are seldom seen for sale. During his rookie year, Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game and earned Rookie of the Year honors. His legendary career, which included six NBA championships, has solidified his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
In another lot, the auction will feature Kobe Bryant’s first jersey worn during the 1996-97 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant, who entered the NBA at just 18 years old, went on to win five NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. Tragically, Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020, making his memorabilia even more sought after. This jersey, worn during both his preseason and regular season debut games, is also expected to bring in around $10 million.
Sotheby’s has noted the increasing interest in rookie memorabilia, with past sales showing substantial growth. For example, in October 2023, a jersey worn by Victor Wembanyama during his debut with the San Antonio Spurs sold for $762,000, and in August 2022, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card was sold for $12.6 million. These items represent the beginning of an athlete’s career and offer collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of basketball history.
For those in search of unparalleled treasures, these jerseys from Jordan and Bryant offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own iconic memorabilia that celebrates the early stages of two of the sport’s most influential figures.
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