{
  "id": 11147943,
  "title": "Michael Jordan’s ‘last dance’ jersey sells for record $12.3m – Report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/michael-jordans-last-dance-jersey-sells-for-record-12-3m-report",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T08:46:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/michael-jordans-last-dance-jersey-sells-for-record-12-3m-report/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Michael Jordan's iconic jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has shattered records, selling for $12.3 million (£9.3 million) – a new peak for Jordan collectibles, according to BBC Sport. The Chicago Bulls jersey was donned by the legendary player during Game 3 of the 1998 Finals, a pivotal series that crowned the Bulls as NBA champions. Jordan's leadership sealed the victory with a 4-2 triumph over the Utah Jazz, marking his sixth and final NBA championship. He also earned his sixth Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The sale eclipses the previous Jordan record, $10.1 million paid for his Game 1 jersey from the same Finals. The jersey was auctioned by entrepreneur Ryan Gough via Joopiter, a digital platform founded by Pharrell Williams, with estimates ranging from $10 to $15 million. Joopiter described the item as embodying basketball greatness. NBA President begins efforts to unite stakeholders. The jersey, worn during the \"Last Dance,\" represents the transformation of basketball into a global cultural phenomenon. The auction house emphasized the jersey's significance as one of the most important game-worn sports artifacts ever to hit the market. Jordan's memorabilia remains highly sought after, with his 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello recently fetching $2.7 million, quadrupling its prior auction record. Despite this latest sale, Babe Ruth's jersey, linked to his legendary \"called shot\" in the 1932 World Series, remains the most expensive game-worn sports item, selling for $24.1 million (£18.2 million) in 2024. Gilbert Ekugbe, a journalist at Punch Newspapers, covered this story, bringing expertise in business and economic affairs to inform readers about this landmark moment in sports memorabilia history.",
  "summary": "Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals, his ‘Last Dance’ season, has sold for a record $12.3 million at auction. Read More: https://punchng.com/michael-jordans-last-dance-jersey-sells-for-record-12-3m-report/",
  "key_points": [
    "Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals jersey sells for $12.3 million, a new record",
    "Jersey worn in Game 3 of the 1998 Finals, where Bulls defeated Jazz 4-2",
    "Auctioned by Ryan Gough via Joopiter, described as embodiment of basketball greatness"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Michael Jordan’s ‘last dance’ jersey sells for record $12.3m – Report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/michael-jordans-last-dance-jersey-sells-for-record-12-3m-report-11151741",
        "published": "2026-10-01T09:06:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}