Any kid who grew up in the '90s will tell you that Space Jam played an integral role in their childhood, and elevated Michael Jordan from basketball superstar to cinematic hero. Now, the uniform worn by Jordan as leader of the "Tune Squad" will go up for auction on October 1 – but good luck affording it.
According to Sporting News, online auctioneer Invaluable will auction off the actual uniform worn by the former star of the Chicago Bulls during the climax of the 1996 film, and bidding will begin at a whopping $10,000. Description of the items up for auction is as follows:
Screen worn complete basketball uniform including (1) XL AIS brand mesh, red, white and blue-trimmed sports jersey with ‘Tunesquad’ logo on the front and signature number '23' emblazoned on the back and (1) matching pair of size 38 shorts. Worn in the climactic showdown between Michael Jordan’s ‘Tune Squad’ and the ‘Monstars.’ With signs of wear and minor staining. In production used fine condition.
Centering on Michael Jordan during his admittedly forgettable career as a baseball player, the film watches as Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes bring Jordan down to the animated world, and back into his element to win a basketball game that could decide the fate of the entire Warner Bros. animated universe. Space Jam also features actors Billy Murray, and Wayne Knight, but Jordan’s interplay with the iconic Looney Tunes easily remains the most memorable aspect of the entire affair.
It takes a serious fan to want to buy a uniform slightly stained with Michael Jordan’s sweat – but that’s just the kind of film Space Jam is. The film has become absolutely iconic in the years since its initial release. The film features some laughable effects, and Jordan most certainly would never have a chance of winning an Academy Award for his performance, but Space Jam holds a place in many of our hearts because it framed a traditional sports movie in a way that kids could understand, and identify with.
Just in case you happen to get outbid for Jordan’s uniform, don’t fret; it’s entirely possible that you will have an opportunity within the next couple decades to bid on a new piece of Space Jam memorabilia. LeBron James has actively campaigned to get such a project off the ground for quite some time, and has received a mixed response. While some see his recent turns in films such as Trainwreck as an indication of his chops, others seem to view Space Jam as one of those timeless classics that requires neither an update nor a follow-up.
No one will ever argue that Space Jam isn’t a classic kids film, but come October 1 we will see just how much a piece of the classic is truly worth.
