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A llen Iverson’s legendary crossover against Michael Jordan in 1997 is etched in basketball history, but now, Sotheby’s is bringing another monumental moment to the forefront: Michael Jordan’s 1996-1997 game-worn Chicago Bulls jersey, the star of upcoming sale, Colossal | The Ultimate Jordan Collection. In a landmark event, basketball icon Allen Iverson, SLAM magazine founder Dennis Page, MeiGray CEO Barry Meisel, and renowned NBA photographer Nathaniel S. Butler gathered at Sotheby's to discuss not only this legendary piece of memorabilia but also the unparalleled legacy of Jordan, a player who transcended the sport itself.
B y the 1996-97 NBA season, Michael Jordan was not just the most recognized athlete in the world—he was a global cultural phenomenon. This red Bulls jersey, worn by Jordan over an astonishing 5-month span during his fifth championship season, traveled with him to 15 cities, becoming a part of his dominance at the peak of his career. Jordan’s achievements while wearing this jersey—at the pinnacle of his fame and skill—make it one of the most remarkable pieces of sports memorabilia ever to surface.
What makes this jersey even more extraordinary is its survival in the face of immense demand for game-worn memorabilia, which surged in the late ’90s. From Upper Deck’s pioneering game-used memorabilia cards to countless collectors seeking pieces of the Bulls’ golden era, the scarcity of this jersey is almost unimaginable. Photo-matched to 17 games by MeiGray, this is one of only two red jerseys Jordan wore during the 1996-1997 season—a true rarity in the world of sports collectibles. This isn’t just a jersey; it’s a piece of basketball immortality, representing the height of Jordan’s reign over the sport. To bring such a legendary item to auction is a historic occasion, making this one of the most significant offerings in basketball history.
Colossal | The Ultimate Jordan Collection will be held online from 23 October-4 November 2024. This jersey, among other Jordan items, will be on free and public exhibition from 10-18 October.
