Obama Basketball Jersey Sells For $120,000

A basketball jersey once owned by former US president Barack Obama sold on Monday for $120,000, according to the Dallas auction house that sold it. … Continue reading Obama Basketball Jersey Sells For $120,000

By Ronke Sanya Idowu

Updated August 20, 2019

This handout photo taken in 1979 from Heritage Auctions and obtained by AFP on August 19, 2019 shows Punahou High School student Barack Obama (C) attempting a lay up at a basketball game during his senior year as part of the 1979 Hawaii State Champion boys’ varsity basketball team. A basketball jersey worn by former US president Barack Obama at high school has sold at auction for USD 120,000, smashing its pre-sale estimate, the auction house said on August 19, 2019. The number 23 jersey — which was issued by Hawaii’s Punahou School for its 1978-79 season — had been expected to go for $100,000, Heritage Auctions said in a statement. Handout / Heritage Auctions / AFP

A basketball jersey once owned by former US president Barack Obama sold on Monday for $120,000, according to the Dallas auction house that sold it.

The number 23 jersey belonged to 18-year-old Obama while he was a senior at Punahou high school in Hawaii, where he lived at the time, according to Heritage Auctions.

The jersey was valued at $100,000 before it was sold.

Obama is a known basketball fan and was often seen playing during his tenure at the White House, with presidential staffers, celebrities or other guests.

AFP