A Michael Jordan jersey sold for more than $3 million highlighted Karl Malone's collection of Dream Team memorabilia, which the legendary forward put up for auction.
Karl Malone, the Hall of Fame power forward and two-time NBA MVP, has sold his incredible collection of memorabilia from the 1992 Dream Team, the legendary squad that won the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics and changed the game of basketball forever.
Michael Jordan
| Position: | SF, SG |
| Age: | 60 |
| Height: | 199 cm |
| Weight: | 98 kg |
| Birth place: | United States of America |
Malone auctioned off a game-worn jersey and pair of shoes from each of his 11 teammates at Goldin Auctions, an online collectibles marketplace, raking in a staggering $5.38 million in total. The collection, which was estimated to be worth $10 million, featured items from several Hall-of-Fame members, such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley.
The most expensive items were those belonging to Jordan, the undisputed leader and star of the Dream Team. The six-time NBA Finals MVP’s jersey from the Olympic semifinal game against Lithuania, which was photo-matched and signed by him, made a whopping $3.03 million. His Air Jordan shoes from the Tournament of the Americas, which were also signed and personalized to Malone, went for $420,000.
The bidders' names were not revealed.
After Jordan, the following jerseys were also sold in the Malone collection:
- Larry Bird ($360,000)
- Magic Johnson ($336,000)
- Charles Barkley ($230,400)
- David Robinson ($116,400)
- Clyde Drexler ($91,200)
- Scottie Pippen ($80,400)
- Malone ($58,800)
- John Stockton ($55,200)
- Patrick Ewing ($39,600)
- Christian Laettner ($39,600) and
- Chris Mullin ($37,200).
Jordan’s jersey could be the highest-priced piece of Olympic clothing in history, surpassing the $657,250 paid for Mike Eruzione’s jersey from the 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey game. The record for overall Olympic memorabilia is believed to be the $8.8 million for The Olympic Manifesto, an 1892 document that outlined the revival of the modern Olympic Games.
Another jersey worn by Jordan during the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals was sold at an auction in September for over $10 million, setting a new record as the most expensive piece of game-worn sports memorabilia in history.
Malone’s collection also included jerseys and shoes from other basketball icons such as Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Scottie Pippen, and Clyde Drexler. Each jersey was from the Olympic semifinal win over Lithuania, which was a 51-point rout (123-72) by the Dream Team.
Malone’s decision to sell his Dream Team collection may seem surprising to some fans who would cherish such rare and valuable items. However, he said he wanted to share his memories with other collectors and fans who appreciate the significance and legacy of the Dream Team.
Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.
