In a groundbreaking auction, a set of sneakers worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan during the six NBA championships he clinched in his illustrious career has fetched an unprecedented $8 million. The winning bid for “The Dynasty Collection” was confirmed on Friday, marking a new global record for the highest auction price for game-worn sneakers, as reported by the prestigious auction house Sotheby’s.
The collection comprised Air Jordan sneakers representing each championship victory: 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). Notably, only one pair of each of these iconic sneakers was included in the auction lot.
Sotheby’s emphasized the historical significance of this collection, declaring it as the most valuable and meaningful assembly of Air Jordan sneakers ever presented for auction. The rarity and uniqueness of the set added to its immense value.
The backstory behind the collection is equally compelling. Prior to the 1991 NBA Finals, Tim Halland, the executive director of PR for the Chicago Bulls, made a unique request to Michael Jordan. If the team emerged victorious, Halland asked Jordan to gift him one of his game-worn Air Jordan sneakers. True to his word, Jordan fulfilled this request, signing and inscribing the shoe before presenting it to Halland. This tradition continued for the remaining five championships, with each pair holding a unique place in basketball history.
The auction lot not only featured the iconic sneakers but also included a set of limited, signed photographs capturing a jubilant Michael Jordan, sporting just one sneaker, following the triumphant NBA Finals. The sneakers were sourced from a Private American Collector who had originally received them from Tim Halland, further enhancing the authenticity and provenance of this extraordinary sports memorabilia.