NBA fans were in for a surprise this week as Michael Jordan, a figure who has remained largely private in recent years, stepped into the spotlight for a rare public moment.
Just months ahead of the NBA’s long-anticipated return to NBC for the 2025-26 season, the six-time champion made headlines by signing an ultra-rare piece of memorabilia.
MJ’s latest autograph turns heads
NBC’s upcoming partnership with the NBA marks a return to the golden era of basketball coverage, and no one symbolizes that era more than Jordan.
From 1984 to 1998, with a brief retirement in the middle, Jordan’s performances defined an entire generation of fans.
His dominance with the Chicago Bulls, where he collected six championships and five MVP awards, transformed him into a global icon.
Now, as NBC gears up to recapture that legacy, Jordan is once again front and center.
Recently, artist Keegan Hall revealed that Jordan signed a one-of-a-kind drawing titled The Last Shot, a depiction of one of the most iconic moments in Bulls history.
The signature was verified through Upper Deck’s stringent five-step authentication process, confirming the item as a unique collectible.
What makes this even more significant is Jordan’s long-standing exclusivity deal with Upper Deck, which began in 1992.
Under that agreement, he does not sign autographs for the general public. Instead, his name and signature are reserved for highly curated, premium products.
Upper Deck President Jason Masherah noted that Jordan’s brand strategy centers on scarcity and exclusivity, adding that the legend is “core to everything we do as a company.”
This calculated approach helps explain why Jordan remains one of the most elusive figures when it comes to public signings.
While he occasionally makes exceptions, especially for charitable causes or children, his autographs are largely locked behind Upper Deck’s vault, maintaining their premium value.
For fans and collectors alike, Jordan’s rare appearance and signature serve as a reminder: everything he touches, even decades after retirement, still commands awe, and a high price tag.
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