Rejecting $8 Million for Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant Item, Owner Takes Massive Risk With New Move

There’s a lot of hype surrounding Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan’s game memorabilia. MJ’s Game 1 jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals, which sold for $10.1 million, still remains iconic. So, it must be safe to assume that another rookie year jersey would fetch somewhere around $10 million. Only, it didn’t. Dousing the eager hopes for the jersey, it was sold for $4.21 million.

But before we dive into expert insights, another high-stakes memorabilia decision is grabbing headlines. And this one might follow the same fate.

Just recently, the Instagram page of Fanatics Collect shared a glimpse of a rare collectible, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Auto 50th Anniversary Gold Logoman 1/1. Now, it’s headed to auction — and collectors are watching closely. How much do you think avid collectors would be willing to dish out for the card? It’s not only unique but also involves two of the most important personalities in the NBA world.

Collector ‘Shyne150’ revealed he offered $8 million for the card in 2022. But reports suggest the owners held out for more and let the deal slip away. And now, as the card heads for auction, fans are divided. Some believe that the owner might regret refusing to sell the card for $8 million, as they assume that might be the maximum price the card could fetch.

Others argue its market value might not even cross $3 million. After the Chicago Bulls legend’s $4.21 million sale, auction expert Chase Jordan stated that private deals are more profitable than auctions. “With an item like this, sometimes you just need to time the wave. Could it have sold for $20 million? I think yes. Rumors are there were previous offers made on this jersey significantly beyond what it just sold for,” he said. 

However, many fans believe that the card will sell for more than $8 million, considering there are two big names attached to it. What’s your take? This card isn’t the only one. After Jordan’s rookie year jersey, auction house Sotheby’s is all set to place 5x NBA Champ’s jersey for sale. 

Kobe Bryant’s rookie debut jersey is up for sale

Kobe Bryant’s game-worn rookie debut jersey from the 1996–97 NBA season is now up for auction, and it’s being hailed as one of the most culturally significant sports artifacts of the modern era. Worn by an 18-year-old Bryant during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers, this purple-and-gold #8 jersey has been photo-matched to five regular-season games and two playoff games – including his very first appearance on the NBA hardwood on November 3, 1996

Sotheby’s, which is overseeing the sale, describes the jersey as a “rare and extraordinary artifact from the genesis of an icon” and has placed an estimated value of $1.5 to $3.5 million. Surprisingly, the current bid for the jersey (at the time of writing) stands at $5.7 million. Notably, this estimated figure is considerably lower than the widely circulated $10 million estimate. The auction began on April 4 and will end on April 24.

In the same sale, Sotheby’s is also offering Michael Jordan’s 1984-85 rookie season jersey, photo-matched to at least five games. Together, these pieces form a dual showcase of two of basketball’s most iconic figures at the dawn of their greatness — a collector’s dream.

The jersey has been photo-matched to the following dates:

1. October 1, 1996: Kobe’s 1st NBA Media Day
2. October 16, 1996: NBA Preseason Debut
3. October 18, 1996: Preseason vs. 76ers
4. November 3, 1996: NBA Regular Season Debut
5. November 10, 1996: Lakers vs Hawks
6. November 15, 1996: Clippers vs Lakers
7. November 20, 1996: Utah vs Lakers

The jersey has been photomatched by MeiGray, SIA, and PSA and is presented with all the valid certificates.

Turning down $8 million for a one-of-one MJ-Kobe card is a bet against time, market mood, and collector psychology. And in a world where nostalgia drives price but not predictability, one person’s grail can easily become another’s regret. As the dual-grail heads to auction, we’re about to find out: Are Kobe and Jordan priceless, or has the ceiling already been hit?