Michael Jordan’s iconic “Dynasty Series” sneakers, which showcase the shoes he wore during each of his NBA championships, have sold for a whopping $8 million in a historic auction. The auction, hosted by Sotheby’s in New York, set a record for the most expensive game sneakers ever sold at auction.
It’s the second-highest price for Jordan memorabilia; the jersey he wore in Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $10.1 million, according to Sports Illustrated.
The “Dynasty Collection” includes six pairs of Air Jordans, each representing a key moment in Jordan’s legendary career, leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships. These sneakers were worn during the deciding games in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998.
not just shoes
“Today’s record-breaking price is testament to the GOAT. The dynasty collection undeniably ranks among the most important sports memorabilia collections in history,” Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, said in a statement stated in the statement. “It serves as both a reminder of Michael Jordan’s lasting impact on the world and a tangible expression of his recognized legend status, the significance of which is further affirmed by this landmark achievement.”
While the identity of the buyer has not been disclosed, Sotheby’s revealed that the seller is an American private collector who purchased the sneakers from a long-time Bulls executive. The historical value of these iconic shoes is further enhanced by the tradition of gifting sneakers to executives after each championship, complete with photos of Jordan wearing them to celebrate his victory.
A five-time league MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Jordan’s legacy as a basketball icon is unparalleled to this day. His collaboration with Nike in the mid-1980s to create the iconic Air Jordan shoe forever changed the sneaker industry and propelled sneaker culture to new heights.
The sale of Michael Jordan’s “The Dynasty Collection” follows record-setting sales of his memorabilia, including a pair of sneakers he wore in the 1998 NBA Finals that sold for $2.2 million Dollar.