Michael Jordan fans who are willing to invest in collectibles experienced an exciting event on Monday. A collection of five memorabilia items known as "Colossal | The Ultimate Jordan Collection" was auctioned by Sotheby's, fetching a remarkable total of $8.5 million. Among the items, the standout piece was a game-worn jersey that Jordan had donned during the Chicago Bulls' championship 1996-97 season, which sold for an impressive $4.7 million.
This particular jersey not only represents an iconic season for Jordan but also holds significance due to a memorable moment involving Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson. On March 12, 1997, Jordan was wearing this red jersey when Iverson crossed him over, creating one of the most unforgettable highlights of the decade and adding to Iverson's own storied career. During the 1996-97 season, Jordan delivered numerous standout performances, leading the league in scoring and earning selections to both the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive First Team. He ultimately finished second in MVP voting and led the Bulls to their second consecutive championship, marking the middle of a historic three-peat.
Another notable item sold during the auction was the United States flag that Jordan draped over himself during the gold-medal ceremony at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. This piece sold for $1.8 million and is well-remembered as the flag Jordan used to cover the Reebok logo on his Team USA jacket—a strategic move during a time when he was building a formidable brand in collaboration with Nike. The Team USA squad, featuring other legends such as Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, David Robinson, Scottie Pippen, and Patrick Ewing, dominated the Olympic Games, finishing with an unblemished 8-0 record and defeating Croatia for the gold medal. Additional items from the auction included a game-worn and signed jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 Eastern Conference first-round playoffs, a 1988-89 game-worn jersey, and a practice set from Jordan's time at the University of North Carolina, which included a practice jersey and signed sneakers.
