By Sunday 
Historic Auction: Sotheby’s to Sell First Game-Worn Jerseys of Kobe Bryant & Michael Jordan
Rare NBA Memorabilia Hits the Market
Basketball history is about to go under the hammer as Sotheby’s prepares to auction two of the most iconic jerseys in NBA history—the game-worn debut uniforms of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. These jerseys, worn during the first professional appearances of two of the greatest players of all time, are expected to command a combined total of $20 million.
For collectors and die-hard fans, this auction presents a rare chance to own tangible pieces of basketball royalty. Sotheby’s will showcase the jerseys at its New York galleries starting March 21, giving enthusiasts a close-up look before they hit the auction block.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, Brahm Wachter, highlighted the gravity of these artifacts.
“The historical weight of these two jerseys is difficult to overstate. They are as rare as they come,” Wachter said. “Early rookie jerseys represent the genesis of an athlete’s career. For collectors in search of true one-of-one treasures, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own iconic pieces of basketball history.”
Few pieces of sports memorabilia carry the significance of a debut jersey. For Jordan and Bryant—two players who defined eras of basketball excellence—their first NBA uniforms symbolize the beginning of legendary careers that changed the sport forever.
Jordan’s First Bulls Jersey
The auction will feature Michael Jordan’s jersey from his preseason debut with the Chicago Bulls in 1984. Not only was this the first uniform he wore as an NBA player, but it is also signed by the six-time champion himself.
Jordan made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 28.2 points per game on his way to winning NBA Rookie of the Year. At the time, the Bulls were struggling both competitively and financially, but Jordan’s arrival electrified the franchise. His talent was evident from his first preseason games, setting the stage for a career that would redefine the NBA.
Bryant’s Lakers Debut Jersey
Kobe Bryant’s jersey comes from his first appearances with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1996-1997 preseason. However, it carries additional historical value—it has been photo-matched to multiple significant moments, including his regular season debut and NBA Media Day.
Unlike Jordan, Bryant had a slow start in his rookie year, averaging 7.6 points per game. But this jersey represents the humble beginnings of a player who would go on to become a five-time NBA champion and one of the most beloved figures in sports history.
The Price of Basketball Royalty
Both jerseys are projected to sell for around $10 million each, reflecting the enduring legacy of Bryant and Jordan. Their influence extends far beyond championships and personal accolades—these are players who inspired generations and shaped the modern NBA.
A Growing Market for Basketball Memorabilia
Sotheby’s has been at the forefront of high-profile sports memorabilia sales, and this auction follows a recent event where game-worn Opening Night jerseys from LeBron James and his son Bronny sold for $102,000. As the market for rare collectibles continues to expand, these legendary jerseys are expected to draw immense attention from elite collectors worldwide.
For those fortunate enough to place the winning bids, these jerseys won’t just be fabric stitched together with team colors—they’ll be pieces of history, forever linked to two of the greatest to ever play the game.