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A pair of Air Jordan sneakers worn by Michael Jordan during his championship games has been sold at an auction for a record-breaking price of $8 million (equivalent to £6.33 million).
Six pairs of sneakers, worn by Jordan during his six NBA championship victories with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, were sold at Sotheby’s “The Dynasty Collection” auction.
The auction house revealed that on Friday, February 2nd, the entire collection was purchased for a total of $8,032,800. This set a new record for the highest price paid in a global auction for sneakers worn in a game.
The collection includes 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). All of these sneakers are personally signed by Jordan. The lot also features exclusive photos taken by Bill Smith following the NBA Finals of 1992, 1993, 1996, and 1998.
Sotheby’s had initially valued the lot at $7 million to $10 million. The entire collection was purchased at the New York City location for a staggering amount, according to the auction house.
According to ESPN, Sotheby’s modern collectibles director Brahm Wachter stated that today’s price record is proof of the GOAT’s greatness. He also acknowledged that the Dynasty Collection is one of the most noteworthy compilations of sports memorabilia ever assembled. This collection not only serves as a reminder of Michael Jordan’s enduring influence on the world, but it also solidifies his legendary status. This monumental achievement further validates the significance of the collection.
“This auction marks a momentous milestone in history, as the sale of these six sneakers that clinched championships is truly incomparable,” he stated.
The Air Jordan Dynasty Collection by Sotheby’s
The Dynasty Collection at Sotheby’s.
The Dynasty Collection will be available to view in Dubai through 3 March.
This is not the initial instance in which the iconic basketball player’s belongings have been purchased for a staggering sum. In fact, Jordan currently holds the title for the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia. In 2022, Sotheby’s auctioned off Jordan’s Chicago Bulls jersey, worn during Game One of the 1998 NBA Finals, for a record-breaking amount of $10.1 million (£8 million).
In August of last year, a signed set of his Nike Air Ships, worn before the popular Air Jordans were available in 1985, was purchased for $624,000 (£493,944). Additionally, a pair of his Air Jordan 13s, worn during Game Two of the 1998 NBA Finals, was sold for over $2.2m (£1.8m) at an auction in May 2023.
The Independent has reached out to Sotheby’s for a response.
Source: independent.co.uk
