Michael Jordan 1992 Summer Olympics Gold Medal Ceremony Worn & Signed ‘Dream Team’ American Flag

Property of an American Private Collector,

Lent to JoAn Scott, Director of Operations USA Basketball

Subsequently Returned to Private Collector by Ms. Scott

This flag effortlessly stands as one of the most significant 'Dream Team' artifacts ever. Draped over the right shoulder of Michael Jordan during the 1992 Olympic Gold Medal ceremony, it served as both a personal statement and a subtle act of defiance, covering the Reebok logo on his jacket to honor and show loyalty to his longtime business partner, Nike. Its importance is further amplified by the fact that it is signed by the entire 'Dream Team,' making it a centerpiece of one of Jordan’s most iconic career moments.

Reebok had spent millions of dollars to sponsor the Olympic Games, and as part of that deal, expected athletes to be pictured in its apparel. In Episode V of the smash-hit ESPN documentary, The Last Dance, legendary NBA commissioner David Stern recalls of the incident, “…Michael decided that he didn’t want to display the Reebok logo that was on his uniform.”

In the next cut, Jordan appears to be sipping calmly from a porcelain cup of coffee in the passenger’s seat of a car, and exclaims, “Harvey Schiller. What a dick.”

Jordan was referring to the Executive Director of the United States Olympic Committee at the time.

A man in the car asks, “Who is that?”

Jordan, perhaps irritated, explains, “The guy who said if we don’t wear our uniforms, we can’t accept our gold medal and all that stuff…”

The man then asks, “Is that still a big issue? They still talking about that?”

Jordan replies, “Nah. They said they are going to try to hide the Reebok on it. But they can’t hide it like I’m gonna hide it. They in for a big fucking surprise.”

More than just a flag, this artifact symbolizes Jordan’s Gold Medal victory with the 1992 'Dream Team,' widely considered the greatest basketball team ever assembled. Signed by all the legendary players including: Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Christian Laettner, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, and John Stockton, this flag marks a defining moment in basketball history, a milestone in the NBA's global rise, and Jordan’s unwavering loyalty to Nike, the brand that has stood by him since the start of his career.

Still in its original condition from the Gold Medal ceremony, this flag bears witness to a historic moment when the world’s eyes were fixed on the Olympic podium. Moments like this, which showcase Jordan's charismatic defiance, are why the public continues to be so captivated by him.

Uncompromising in his beliefs and fearless in defending them, MJ's actions reflect the boldness that defines his legacy, both on and off the court.

The flag is accompanied by a photomatch letter from MeiGray and a photomatch letter from Sports Investors Authenticated. It is accompanied by a letter from PSA in regards to the signatures.

The Dream Team

Chuck Daly, the coach of the 1992 Dream Team famously said, “It was like Elvis and the Beatles put together. Traveling with the Dream Team was like traveling with 12 rock stars. That's all I can compare it to.” 

In 1992, for the first time, professional athletes from the NBA were allowed to compete in the Olympic Games. After America’s 3rd place finish in the 1988 (Cold War era) Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea and the Soviet Union’s Gold Medal performance, the USA rallied perhaps the most remarkable assemblage of teammates to ever play together – in any sport. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, and Scottie Pippen were just some of the names that played for Team USA in 1992. 11 of the athletes that played for the ‘Dream Team’ were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 

The Dream Team was dominant, with a perfect 8 wins and 0 losses in its 1992 Olympic effort. Today, ‘The Dream Team’ and Michael Jordan specifically, are credited with increasing the cultural significance, prevalence and popularity of basketball on an international stage.  

In The Last Dance, ESPN reporter Michael Wilbon explained, “Michael was the face of the Dream Team, and The Dream Team changed everything about international basketball. The Dream Team is entirely responsible for the NBA’s profile taking a massive jump forward. It just shaped how the world felt about the NBA.”

Willow Bay, Host of NBA Inside Stuff, added, “After the Olympics, Michael was the most recognizable, the most popular sports figure, but really cultural figure, in the world. He was really a global superstar. Everyone around the world knew Michael Jordan.”

Michael Jordan & Nike

In 1984, Nike gave Michael Jordan his own signature line of shoes and clothes, which was pivotal in Michael agreeing to sign with Nike. It was the first time the brand did anything like this, and it paved the way for many of the player collaborations we now see. The value of that partnership has increased exponentially over time, with 1985 sales reaching over $100M, and 2022 sales for the Jordan Brand reaching $5.1 Billion.

The partnership instilled Jordan with an incredible sense of loyalty to the brand, which was symbolized as Jordan was forced to take center stage on perhaps the most global platform in the world, wearing a Reebok jacket.

Jordan took matters into his own hands, preventing the world from seeing him in a Reebok jacket – and demonstrating his loyalty to his partners at Nike.