Michael Jordan's Sneakers Fetch $8 Million at Auction

Michael Jordan’s Sneakers Fetch $8 Million at Auction

Six iconic Nike Air Jordans, each worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan during his championship-winning games, set a new record when they sold for $8 million at Sotheby’s on February 2, 2024. This unprecedented sale marked the highest price ever paid for game-worn sneakers at an auction, underscoring Jordan’s enduring legacy as the “GOAT.”

Dubbed the “Dynasty Collection,” this extraordinary set includes single Air Jordans from six pivotal championship games: the Air Jordan VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII, and XIV. Jordan wore these shoes in the 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998 NBA Finals, each resulting in a title for the Chicago Bulls.

“This record-breaking price is a fitting tribute to Jordan’s unmatched impact on sports and culture,” remarked Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles. “The Dynasty Collection is a monumental piece of sports history.”

The sneakers were auctioned by an American collector, who had acquired them from Tim Hallan, a former Chicago Bulls PR executive. Hallan’s collection began in 1991 when he asked Jordan for one of his sneakers if the team won their first championship—a tradition Jordan maintained for every subsequent title. After each victory, Jordan would autograph a shoe and hand it over, creating one of the most exclusive memorabilia collections in basketball history.

This auction continues a trend of sky-high prices for Jordan memorabilia. Just last year, Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 jersey sold for $10.1 million, followed by a pair of Air Jordans from Game 2, which fetched $2.2 million.

With a career that includes six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals, Jordan’s achievements are legendary. At 60, he has built a business empire, including lucrative endorsements with Nike, Gatorade, and Hanes, accumulating over $2 billion in earnings. He also owns golf courses, steakhouses, and a NASCAR team. Today, with an estimated net worth of $3 billion, Jordan remains the wealthiest retired athlete globally, cementing his status as an enduring icon on and off the court.