Michael Jordan Signed 1981 McDonald’s All-American Program

Property of an American Basketball Coach,

Sold to an American Private Collector

Michael Jordan famously failed to make the Emsley Laney high school varsity squad as a 15-year old sophomore. The experience motivated a young MJ to improve his game and prove all doubters wrong. His incredible response to that adversity was a sign of things to come in his legendary career. 

By his senior year in 1980-1981, Jordan had developed into one of the best high school players in the country. For his efforts, he was selected to participate in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game on April 11, 1981 at Henry Levitt Arena in Wichita, Kansas. 

Sotheby’s is proud to present this original 1981 McDonald’s All-American Game Program, featuring the signatures of various players in the game including but not limited to future Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Chris Mullin.

This is one of the earliest Michael Jordan signatures Sotheby’s has ever handled.

Playing alongside Mullin and Patrick Ewing, Jordan helped propel the East squad to a thrilling 96-95 victory. The future University of North Carolina and Chicago Bulls superstar recorded a game-high 30 points. This stood as the record for the most points in a McDonald’s All-American Game until 1999. It remains the second-highest total to this day.  

Jordan went on to lead UNC to the 1982 NCAA Men’s Basketball Title and the Bulls to NBA championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998. He also won Olympic Gold Medals with Team USA in 1984 and 1992. Today, many consider Jordan the greatest basketball player of all time.