### Historic Auction of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant's First Game-Worn Jerseys Sotheby's is set to auction the first game-worn jerseys of basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, with expectations that each will sell for around $10 million, totaling an estimated $20 million for both. This auction represents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire pieces of NBA history, as these jerseys symbolize the beginnings of two of the sport's greatest players. The jerseys will be on display at Sotheby's New York galleries starting March 21, 2025, before the auction begins in April [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/sothebys_auctioning_first_game_worn_kobe_bryant_michael_jordan_nba_jerseys/s1_17074_41898586]. ### Structure of the Auction Overview 1. **Auction Details** - Sotheby's will auction the jerseys in April 2025. - Each jersey is expected to fetch approximately $10 million, totaling $20 million for both [https://www.nation.com.pk/09-Mar-2025/michael-jordan-s-kobe-bryant-s-first-ever-nba-jerseys-to-sell-for-dollar-10m-apiece]. 2. **Significance of the Jerseys** - The jerseys are from the debut games of Jordan and Bryant, marking the start of their illustrious careers. - They are considered rare and highly coveted items in the sports memorabilia market [https://www.si.com/collectibles/auctions/kobe-bryant-s-rookie-debut-jersey]. 3. **Authentication Process** - Sotheby's has confirmed the authenticity of the jerseys through a meticulous photo-matching process. - Jordan's jersey is the only one from his rookie season to be photo-matched and authenticated for auction [https://www.nation.com.pk/09-Mar-2025/michael-jordan-s-kobe-bryant-s-first-ever-nba-jerseys-to-sell-for-dollar-10m-apiece]. 4. **Cultural Impact** - Both players are regarded as two of the greatest in NBA history, and their memorabilia continues to appreciate in value. - The auction is expected to attract significant attention from collectors and fans alike [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6178464/2025/03/06/michael-jordan-kobe-bryant-jerseys-bulls-lakers]. ### Evidence Supporting the Auction's Significance - **Estimated Value**: Each jersey is projected to sell for $10 million, with a combined total of $20 million [https://www.nation.com.pk/09-Mar-2025/michael-jordan-s-kobe-bryant-s-first-ever-nba-jerseys-to-sell-for-dollar-10m-apiece]. - **Rarity**: Only four authentic jerseys belonging to Michael Jordan have been verified, making his debut jersey exceptionally rare [https://www.nation.com.pk/09-Mar-2025/michael-jordan-s-kobe-bryant-s-first-ever-nba-jerseys-to-sell-for-dollar-10m-apiece]. - **Cultural Legacy**: The jerseys symbolize the beginning of two legendary careers, making them highly sought after by collectors [https://www.si.com/collectibles/auctions/kobe-bryant-s-rookie-debut-jersey]. ### Conclusion: A Unique Opportunity for Collectors In summary, the auction of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant's first game-worn jerseys represents a significant event in the world of sports memorabilia. 1. **Auction Overview**: Sotheby's will auction the jerseys in April 2025, with each expected to sell for $10 million. 2. **Cultural Significance**: These jerseys are not just collectibles; they are historical artifacts that mark the beginnings of two of basketball's greatest players. 3. **Authentication**: The jerseys have been meticulously authenticated, adding to their value and desirability. 4. **Collector Interest**: The auction is anticipated to draw considerable attention from collectors, reflecting the enduring legacy of both players in the sport. This auction is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans and collectors to own a piece of basketball history [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/sothebys_auctioning_first_game_worn_kobe_bryant_michael_jordan_nba_jerseys/s1_17074_41898586].