The championship sneakers of the NBA star establish a new global auction record for game-worn sneakers.
A collection of Air Jordan sneakers worn by Michael Jordan during his championship wins sold for $8 million (£6.33 million) in an auction, setting a new record.
The six individual sneakers, worn by Michael Jordan during each of his six NBA championship victories with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, were auctioned as part of Sotheby’s “The Dynasty Collection”.
On Friday, February 2nd, the auction house revealed that the entire set had been sold for $8,032,800, establishing a new global auction record for sneakers worn in games.
The collection comprises an Air Jordan VI (1991), Air Jordan VII (1992), Air Jordan VIII (1993), Air Jordan XI (1996), Air Jordan XII (1997), and Air Jordan XIV (1998).
Every sneaker has Jordan’s signature, and the bundle features autographed limited photographs by Bill Smith captured after the 1992, 1993, 1996, and 1998 NBA Finals.
Initially, the auction house estimated the collection’s value to be between $7 million and $10 million. Sotheby’s confirmed that a buyer acquired the entire collection at its New York City location for an astounding price.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles said in a press release, “Today’s record-breaking price is a testament to the GOAT,”.
“The Dynasty Collection undeniably ranks among the most significant compilations of sports memorabilia in history. Serving as both a reminder of Michael Jordan’s lasting impact on the world and a tangible expression of his recognised legendary status, its significance is further validated by this monumental result.”
“A truly unparalleled moment and milestone in auction history, the sale of these six championship-clinching sneakers will likely never be replicated,” he added.
The Dynasty Collection will be on display in Dubai until March 3rd for public viewing.
Record-Breaking Legacy: Michael Jordan Pricey Memorabilia Hits Auctions Again
This is not the first time the renowned basketball player’s memorabilia has been auctioned for an exorbitant price. In fact, Jordan still owns the record for the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia.
Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls jersey, which he wore during Game One of the 1998 NBA Finals, sold for a record-breaking $10.1 million (£8 million) in 2022 at Sotheby’s auction.
Last August, a signed pair of his Nike Air Ships, worn before the iconic Air Jordans debuted in 1985, went for $624,000 (£493,944). Meanwhile, his Air Jordan 13s from Game Two of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for over $2.2 million (£1.8 million) in an auction in May 2023.
