WATCH: Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals jersey sells for record $14 million

A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals was sold for $14 million in a private transaction, setting a new record as the most expensive piece of basketball memorabilia ever sold. Hunt Auctions brokered the exclusive sale, identifying the buyer as Miami real estate investor Ron Firman. Jordan donned the red jersey during Game 2 of the championship series, June 5, 1998, leading the Chicago Bulls to a victory against the Utah Jazz, which leveled the series at one game each.

The Bulls eventually secured the series in six games, marking the sixth and final championship of Jordan's Hall of Fame career. The 1997-98 season was later documented in the 10-part documentary series "Last Dance," released in 2020. David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions, noted that Michael Jordan's significance in the sports memorabilia market has long been recognized, and this sale has elevated his items to an elite asset class typically associated with iconic works of art.

This $14 million deal is the second-highest sum ever recorded for a game-worn sports jersey, trailing only the $24.12 million paid in 2024 for Babe Ruth's Yankees jersey. This particular Jordan jersey from the 1998 finals has been sold for at least $10 million three times before.