An Edmonton Oilers jersey with number 99 from 1988 has been sold for 26 million Swedish kronor (approximately 2.8 million USD), according to multiple reports. The sale sets a new record for a hockey jersey, surpassing the previous record of $1.45 million for the same jersey in 2022, representing an increase of over 90%. This is the most expensive hockey jersey of all time.
The jersey was worn by Wayne Gretzky during the 1988 Stanley Cup final. It was worn in the legendary fourth final game against the Boston Bruins when the title was secured. That game was interrupted by a power outage at Boston Garden and was replayed two days later, with Edmonton winning 6–3. The 1988 season was Gretzky's last with the Edmonton Oilers before his trade to the Los Angeles Kings three months later.
The jersey has also been linked to a game against the Los Angeles Kings on March 1, 1988, when Gretzky recorded his 1,050th career assist, passing Gordie Howe as the NHL's all-time leading assist leader. According to the auction house, a new analysis and photo matching linked the jersey to several historical games. The auction house, which has not been named in reports, conducted the analysis that confirmed the jersey's provenance for these games.
The previous record for the same jersey was $1.45 million in 2022. The current price represents an increase of over 90% compared to the 2022 sale. The identity of the buyer has not been disclosed, and the exact final bid in USD has not been confirmed. The auction house that handled the sale has not been named in reports, though Goldin Auctions has been associated with previous sales of Gretzky memorabilia. The provenance of the jersey before the 2022 sale remains unclear.