Each sneaker is signed by Michael Jordan.
A collection of shoes worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan during six NBA championships sold for a record-breaking $8 million at a New York auction, the New York Post reports. independent.
Six unique pairs of sneakers worn by Mr. Jordan during his six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s are being auctioned as part of Sotheby’s “Dynasty Collection.” The auction house said on February 2 that the entire set of sneakers was sold for US$8,032,800, setting a new global auction record for game-worn training shoes.
Winning shoes include the Air Jordan VI (1991), VII (1992), VIII (1993), XI (1996), XII (1997) and XIV (1998) models. Every pair of sneakers is signed by Michael Jordan. Also included in the auction are limited-edition, autographed photos of the basketball star celebrating during four championship games. Bill Smith took these photos after the 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1998 NBA Finals.
The lot was previously valued at $7 million to $10 million by the auction company. Sotheby’s claimed that a bidder purchased the entire collection at its New York City offices.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collections, said in a statement: “Today’s record-breaking price is a testament to the ‘GOAT’. The Dynasty Collection is undoubtedly one of the most important compilations of sports memorabilia in history. 1. A lasting impact on the world and a tangible reflection of his recognized legendary status, the significance of which is further confirmed by this landmark achievement.”
“This is a truly unparalleled moment and milestone in auction history, and the sale of these six championship-winning sneakers may never be replicated,” he added.
Mr. Jordan’s incredible career included six Finals MVPs, five league MVPs, two Olympic gold medals and six NBA championships.
Memorabilia of the famous basketball player has sold for record prices in the past. He continues to hold the record for the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia. A Chicago Bulls jersey worn by Mr. Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals opener sold for $10.1 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2022.
Last April, a pair of sneakers once worn by the basketball superstar sold at auction for $2.2 million. The auction is being hosted by Sotheby’s, which expects the signature sneakers to fetch between $2 and $4 million. The basketball superstar wore the “Bred” Air Jordan 13 in Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals en route to his sixth and final NBA title.