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Michael Jordan’s very first professional jersey just changed hands for a staggering $4.125 million at Sotheby’s, setting yet another high mark in the world of sports memorabilia—and this time, the jersey has a bit of a backstory.

The autographed red Chicago Bulls jersey is the only game-worn, photo-matched jersey from Jordan’s rookie season (1984–85) to ever hit the auction block. That photo-matching process? It wasn’t taken lightly. Leading authentication firm MeiGray, along with forensic data analysts at Proven Data, matched the jersey to multiple preseason games—October 5, 7, 13, and 18, 1984. That timeline has earned it the distinction of being Jordan’s first pro jersey.

A third group, Sports Investors Authenticators (SIA), also matched the jersey—though they only tied it to the October 7 and 13 games. They also authenticated the oversized signature splashed across the front.

And here’s where it gets even more interesting.

Look closely at the back of the jersey and you’ll see faint, darkened stains beneath Jordan’s name and number—remnants of other names and numbers that had once occupied that same space. The jersey appears to have been recycled, possibly passed down from previous Bulls players before being reissued to the rookie who would go on to change basketball forever.

That detail wasn’t just speculation. The last time this jersey hit the market, it came with a letter from the Bulls’ head of public relations back in 1985, stating: “If that jersey has a number and name change, sounds like you have the very first jersey this organization issued Michael Jordan.” That letter might’ve seemed like a nice keepsake at the time—now it’s practically gold-inked provenance.

The jersey’s sale now ranks as the fifth most expensive jersey ever sold. Unsurprisingly, Jordan also owns two of the four that sit above it: one from the 1996–97 season worn in 17 games ($4.7 million), and the record-breaking “Last Dance” jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals, which still holds the crown at a jaw-dropping $10.097 million.

Oh, and for anyone keeping score—this same jersey previously sold for $66,000. Whoever that buyer was just pulled off a Jordan-level fourth-quarter comeback with a $4+ million ROI.

Collectors continue to go all-in on Jordan memorabilia, and honestly, who can blame them? Nearly 20 years after retirement, his market hasn’t just held—it’s grown. Whether it’s cards, sneakers, or jerseys (even hand-me-downs), anything tied to MJ still commands top dollar and top interest.

And if you ask most fans, including this one, that momentum’s not stopping anytime soon.