An Autographed Michael Jordan ‘Sports Illustrated’ Cover From 1986 Is Selling for $5,000 USD
A rare Michael Jordan autographed copy of Sports Illustrated’s November 17, 1986 issue is being sold on Fanatics – the “world’s largest collection of officially licensed gear” – for $4,999.99 USD.
When first released, the original price of the magazine was $2.25 USD, and the cover depicts an off-the-ground Jordan wearing his namesake “Air Jordan II” sneakers, positioned against San Antonio Spurs defender #43 Mychal George Thompson. In the shot, Jordan is seen floating above Thompson, heading towards the basket ready for a dunk with his mouth agape and a firm grip on the ball.
Jordan’s autographed signature appears in blue marker ink atop his uniform; dead center of the magazine cover. The Sports Illustrated title appears at the top of the cover in a green-and-yellow font, while a highlighted blue-and-white headline beneath it reads, “One-man gang.”
Adding, “The Chicago Bulls’ high-flying Michael Jordan,” as a deck towards the right side of the cover.
The cover photograph appears to have been taken during the 1986-1987 NBA regular season, and league stats site Pro Ballers offers evidence that the pictured game took place on November 4, 1986. Stats from that game reveal that the Bulls defeated the Spurs, 111-104, and Jordan scored 34 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Upper Deck autographed cover is currently available for sale at the Fanatics website, and offers free shipping and an interest-free payment plan.
In other Jordan news, take a look at the official Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT “Purple Patent” sneakers.
