A collection of basketball legend Michael Jordan’s game-worn shoes, encompassing six NBA championship victories with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, achieved a record-breaking sale of $8 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. Presented as The Dynasty Collection, the set comprised six distinct trainers, including the Air Jordan VI (1991), VII (1992), VIII (1993), XI (1996), XII (1997), and XIV (1998) models, all autographed by Michael Jordan. The sale also included a limited edition autographed photograph by Bill Smith, capturing Jordan’s celebrations during four championship games.
The auction, held on February 2, marked a milestone in sports memorabilia history, setting a new worldwide record for the highest price achieved for game-worn trainers at auction. The lot, initially valued between $7 million and $10 million, was sold as a whole to a bidder at Sotheby’s New York City office.
Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, Brahm Wachter, said, Today’s record-breaking price is a testament to the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). The Dynasty Collection undeniably ranks among the most significant compilations of sports memorabilia in history. Highlighting the enduring impact of Michael Jordan, Wachter added, Its significance is further validated by this monumental result, emphasizing the uniqueness of the moment and describing the sale as a milestone in auction history.
Michael Jordan’s illustrious career included achievements such as six Finals MVPs, five league MVPs, two Olympic Gold Medals, and six NBA titles.
This auction follows previous records set by Jordan’s memorabilia, including the sale of his Chicago Bulls jersey worn in the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals, which fetched $10.1 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2022. In April of the previous year, a pair of sneakers worn by Jordan during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $2.2 million, solidifying his position with the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia.
The record-breaking sale of Michael Jordan’s championship-worn shoes has made headlines worldwide. The collection, known as The Dynasty Collection, features six pairs of trainers that were worn by Jordan during his historic runs with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. These include iconic models such as the Air Jordan VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII, and XIV, all autographed by the basketball legend himself.
The Sotheby’s auction in New York on February 2 saw the shoes being sold for a staggering $8 million, setting a new global record for the highest price ever achieved for game-worn trainers at auction. The lot, which had an initial valuation between $7 million and $10 million, was eventually sold in its entirety to a bidder at Sotheby’s New York City office.
Brahm Wachter, the head of modern collectibles at Sotheby’s, expressed his admiration for Michael Jordan, stating, 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. Wachter also emphasized the lasting impact of Jordan, describing the sale as a milestone in auction history and highlighting the uniqueness of the moment.
Michael Jordan’s incredible career achievements, including six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs, five league MVPs, and two Olympic Gold Medals, have solidified his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His memorabilia continues to captivate collectors and fans alike.
This recent auction follows previous records set by Jordan’s items at Sotheby’s. In 2022, his Chicago Bulls jersey worn in the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals fetched an astonishing $10.1 million. The previous year saw a pair of sneakers worn by Jordan during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $2.2 million, establishing a new benchmark for the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia.
The sale of Michael Jordan’s championship-worn shoes not only highlights his unparalleled impact on the sport but also exemplifies the enduring value and significance of sports memorabilia. As fans and collectors recognize the legacy of legendary athletes like Jordan, the demand for these cherished items continues to soar to unprecedented heights. The record-breaking auction signifies a momentous occasion in the world of sports memorabilia, cementing Michael Jordan’s everlasting influence on basketball and popular culture.
