Michael Jordan 1998 Finals Jersey Sold for Record Price
A jersey worn by Michael Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals set a record for the most expensive basketball jersey at auction.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Basketball
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A basketball jersey worn by Michael Jordan during Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $12.26 million at an online auction. The sale, concluded on September 29, 2026, marks the highest price ever paid for a basketball jersey at auction.
Why it matters
The record-setting sale highlights the enduring market dominance of Michael Jordan memorabilia within the sports collectibles industry. It eclipses the $10.1 million paid for a different 1998 Finals jersey in 2022.
The $12.26 million sale stands as the most expensive basketball jersey ever auctioned. This figure follows a year where enthusiasts spent over $115 million on Michael Jordan trading cards.
The players
Michael Jordan
He is a legendary former professional basketball player who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s.
Joopiter
It is an online auction house that specializes in high-end collectibles and rare memorabilia.
Babe Ruth
He was a historic Major League Baseball icon whose 1932 jersey currently holds the record for the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia.
The details
The online auction, hosted by Joopiter, featured the white jersey worn during Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals. This specific item is the only known white game-winning jersey from that championship series to have been sold publicly.
Timeline
In 1932, Babe Ruth wore his record-setting jersey.
Michael Jordan played in the 1998 NBA Finals.
A Jordan UNC jersey sold for $1.38 million in 2021.
A 1998 red jersey sold for $10.1 million in 2022.
The auction concluded on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This record sale validates the 1998 NBA Finals as the premier era for basketball investment assets. It confirms that demand for high-tier game-worn gear continues to climb even as collectors pivot toward diverse trading card markets.
This sale establishes a new valuation ceiling for 1990s championship apparel, likely driving increased consignments of similar artifacts. For collectors, the $115 million spent on Jordan cards in 2026 suggests the broader market remains saturated with high-end interest.
The takeaway
The massive final bid underscores the status of Michael Jordan as a blue-chip entity in the world of high-end asset collection. Serious investors should note that items with verified game-winning provenance continue to outperform standard game-worn apparel in market value.
Further reading
For more on the current market for historic sports gear, explore the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KESQ.
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