Michael Jordan's 1998 Finals Jersey Heads to Auction
JOOPITER, the digital auction platform, has announced the sale of Michael Jordan's white jersey from Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals—the only publicly known game-winning white uniform from his final championship run. Bidding opens September 15 with an estimated valuation between $10 million and $15 million USD.
By Marcus Chen
A Relic From Basketball's Final Chapter
The 1998 NBA Finals Game 3 jersey represents more than fabric and stitching. Worn on June 7, 1998, at the United Center in Chicago, the uniform documents a single night in what would become the final championship of Michael Jordan's Bulls dynasty. Against the Utah Jazz, Jordan logged 43 minutes and posted 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Chicago won 96-54—the fewest points Utah would score in any Finals contest that series, a margin that proved decisive in the team's path to their sixth title.
Why This Jersey Matters
Authenticity in game-worn memorabilia rests on specificity, and this piece carries several markers of historical weight. The white home uniform is the sole publicly documented game-winning jersey from the 1998 Finals ever to reach auction. The 1998 NBA Finals embroidered patch remains affixed to the left chest—a detail that anchors the garment to its exact moment in time. MeiGray authentication and an official letter of provenance from Bill Thoma accompany the lot, establishing chain of custody.
The 1998 Finals themselves occupy a singular place in basketball lore. They marked Jordan's final championship and the closing of an era. Every artifact from that run carries weight beyond nostalgia; these pieces document the twilight of a dynasty that reshaped modern sport.
The Auction Details
JOOPITER, operating as a digital-first auction house, will open bidding on September 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM EDT. The estimate ranges from $10 million to $15 million USD. The platform's approach reflects a shift in how elite sports memorabilia reaches collectors—moving transactions into digital space while maintaining the rigor of traditional provenance and authentication.
Game-worn jerseys from championship runs occupy the apex of basketball memorabilia markets. The specificity of this lot—a Finals game, a decisive victory, a documented performance, and a unique artifact status—positions it as one of the most significant basketball uniforms ever offered publicly.
FAQs
When does bidding open for Michael Jordan's 1998 Finals jersey? Bidding opens September 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM EDT exclusively through JOOPITER.
What is the estimated value of the 1998 Finals Game 3 jersey? The jersey is estimated to fetch between $10 million and $15 million USD.
How is the Michael Jordan jersey authenticated? The uniform is verified by a MeiGray photomatching certificate and an official letter of provenance from Bill Thoma.
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Release Info
Auction Platform: JOOPITER
Bidding Opens: September 15, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT
Estimated Value: $10–$15 million USD
Authentication: MeiGray photomatch certificate + Bill Thoma provenance letter
Item: Michael Jordan Game-Worn White Jersey, 1998 NBA Finals Game 3
